In a completely new configuration, the National Team overcame Iran for this third and last match of the international break in June 2022. If Algeria won, it above all learned a lot.
Yes, it is possible to do many tries and play well… while winning the victory, dear to the heart of any competitor. This bet, Djamel Belmadi took it by lining up a completely new eleven for the friendly match which opposed his team to Iran, qualified for the 2022 World Cup and an opponent renowned for the quality of its defense.
In a fairly classic 4-3-3, the Greens coach opted for many strong choices. Thus, out of eleven holders, eight have less than ten selections (!) and three of them (Mandréa, Zedadka and Kadri) even know their very first cape.
However, the game of the Greens was licked and exciting. Everything was obviously not perfect but the combinations offered, the movements, the game in handover and the many defensive interventions are just as many promising axes for the future. We had fun and we want more!
Anthony Mandrea (6): For his very first appearance with Algeria, Mandréa was not perfect, especially in his movements, but he was vigilant and even decisive following an error by Bedrane. To review!
Akim Zedadka (6): He was very followed, as his case had been controversial in recent months, and he will not have been exempt from any reproach. If he did not make a big mistake, Zedadka did not shine either and was above all content to defend well. A solid first, therefore, but discreet.
Mohamed-Amine Tougaï (7,5): What a match for the ES Tunis player! Solid, fast, well placed, he cut off countless Iranian attacks. In line with its good performances in the Arab Cup, Tougaï is gaining a little more foothold in the National Team.
Abdelkader Bedrane (6): The boss behind it was him. He will however have known some wanderings, in particular on a failed release which forced Mandréa to intervene, but as usual, Bedrane was reliable. Replaced by Yanis Hamache at 61′, now international A but who did not have the opportunity to stand out.
Ahmed Touba (7,5): He too is the big climb of the moment and he is starting, slowly but surely, to become essential in Green. Replaced left side, Touba was very applied defensively, winner of a large number of aerial duels, but also technically flawless. Whether in the axis or on one side, it is clearly installed.
Ismaël Bennacer (7,5): Captain of the day (and evening), Bennacer was very, very dominating in midfield. It’s simple: all the Algerian offensives have gone through him. The holidays are now well deserved for the Italian champion!
Adem Zorgane (6): He is still quite difficult to pin down, as he can make a few gross mistakes and then perform a high-class gesture, but the fact remains that Zorgane has an ability to see the game very useful to Algeria. Substituted at half-time by Ramiz Zerrouki (6,5), who solidified the spaces Zorgane left behind while trying to bring danger offensively.
Abdelkahar Kadri (6,5): What a first! Technically licked, Kadri will have experienced some failures, inevitable for a neophyte in the Green jersey, but he will also have been untenable by his calls, counter-calls and attempted combinations. Replaced at 61′ by Adam Ounas, explosive and twirling as always with Algeria. It’s time to find a club where to flourish Mr. Ounas!
Rachid Ghezzal (6): At times clumsy, Ghezzal nevertheless has a really interesting vista and which might lead him to become a playmaker. He should also have obtained a penalty at the half-hour mark. Replaced by Billel Omrani at 71′, the former Marseille player having had the opportunity to score but also being appreciated by his defensive returns at the end of the game.
Billal Brahimi (6): His first tenure in EN was his least accomplished performance. After two interesting entries into the game, Brahimi will have suffered physically while being, at times, clumsy. However, he also offered a lot and contributed to the defensive withdrawal. Replaced by Youcef Belailiwho came in without thinking and was behind Amoura’s goal.
Ryad Benayad (7): Here is Benayad’s first goal! Attacker of duty, he who is not really number 9, he takes advantage of an Iranian error and is rewarded for his many calls by a goal which allows Algeria to return to the break before the advantage in the score. He will be replaced at 66′ by Mohamed Amine Amourastill scorer (2 goals in 3 games) and which allows Algeria to win this meeting.
