ALGERIA

Algeria Eye Elusive CHAN Title After Home Heartbreak
Having come agonisingly close to lifting their maiden TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in 2022 on home soil, Algeria return to the continental stage with renewed hunger and a clear objective – to go one better in East Africa.

Les Fennecs will be featuring in their third CHAN tournament, and second in a row, after reaching the semi-finals in 2011 and finishing runners-up in the 2022 edition held in Algiers. With pedigree, purpose, and pride, Algeria enter the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 as one of the tournament favourites.

Despite their strong CHAN history, a continental title continues to elude Algeria’s locally-based team. Head coach Madjid Bougherra and his squad will be determined to break that jinx and deliver the long-awaited crown to the Algerian faithful.

Factfile

• Nickname: Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes)
• Appearances: 3 (2011, 2022, 2024)
• Last Appearance: Algeria 2022
• Best Performance: Finalists (2022)
• Titles: 0
• FIFA Ranking: 36
• Coach: Madjid Bougherra

How They Qualified

Algeria secured their place in the finals after an impressive showing in the second round of the qualifiers. A goalless draw away to Gambia in Bakau set up a dominant 3-0 victory in the return leg in Algiers, ensuring their ticket to CHAN 2024.

The win underlined Algeria’s defensive discipline and attacking firepower, setting the tone for what promises to be another competitive campaign.

Know The Coach: Madjid Bougherra

A towering figure in Algerian football, Madjid Bougherra brings leadership, experience, and ambition to the CHAN 2024 squad. A former international defender, Bougherra’s club career spanned France, England, Scotland, Qatar, and the UAE, including a successful stint with Glasgow Rangers between 2008 and 2011.

Since taking charge of the CHAN team in 2021, Bougherra has made an immediate impact. He led Algeria to victory at the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar and steered the team to the CHAN final in 2022. Now 42, he is entering his third major tournament with the goal of cementing his legacy with a continental title.

Algeria’s CHAN Journey So Far

Algeria made their CHAN debut in 2011 in Sudan, advancing to the semi-finals under coach Abdelhak Benchikha. They finished fourth after narrowly losing 1-0 to the hosts.

A long absence from the tournament followed until they returned in style in 2022 as hosts. Roared on by passionate home support, the Desert Foxes reached the final, where they lost on penalties to Senegal (5-4) after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Their consistency in reaching the final four on both appearances makes them one of the most formidable teams in the competition's short history.

Player to Watch

While Algeria’s final squad is yet to be confirmed, the team is expected to feature a blend of emerging domestic talents and experienced local league stars. Expect technically gifted midfielders and a solid defensive line to be the backbone of their CHAN 2024 challenge.

What to Expect

After coming within inches of the title in 2022, expectations are sky-high. Algeria are not just participating – they are coming to win. With a seasoned coach at the helm and momentum from recent success, Les Fennecs will be aiming to dominate the group stage and push deep into the knockout rounds.

Bougherra’s men have developed a reputation for tactical maturity, physical presence, and composure under pressure. Their ability to navigate tight contests could prove decisive once again.

Fan Zone

Did You Know? Algeria have reached at least the semi-finals in both of their previous CHAN appearances – finishing fourth in 2011 and second in 2022. They remain one of the few nations to have never exited the tournament before the last four.

Outlook for CHAN 2024

With history, form, and firepower on their side, Algeria enters CHAN 2024 with one clear mission – win the title. After years of near misses, Bougherra and his team will be laser-focused on making this their golden moment.