The Algerian national football team continues its preparation for the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a crucial international friendly against Zimbabwe. The match is set to take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, kicking off at 5:30 p.m. local time in Algeria (7:30 p.m. Mecca time).
This friendly marks another important step for coach Vladimir Petković as he looks to fine-tune his squad and test new tactical ideas before the continental competition in Morocco next year.
Algeria’s Preparation for AFCON Glory
After an inconsistent run during the AFCON qualifiers, the Desert Foxes are eager to regain their sharpness and confidence ahead of the tournament. Algeria were drawn in a challenging Group C, alongside Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, and Burkina Faso — all strong sides that demand tactical and physical readiness.
Coach Petković, who took over the team earlier this year, has emphasized the importance of this friendly in testing both experienced and emerging players. Reports suggest that several new faces have been included in the squad, giving them a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.
Players like Rayan Aït-Nouri, Houssem Aouar, and Islam Slimani are expected to play key roles, while Petković may also give opportunities to young talents from the local league and European clubs. The coach’s philosophy centers on balance — maintaining Algeria’s traditional attacking flair while building greater defensive discipline.
Zimbabwe’s Ambition to Impress
For Zimbabwe, this friendly is more than a simple exhibition match. It represents a chance to measure themselves against one of Africa’s strongest footballing nations. The Warriors are rebuilding after years of instability and are determined to regain competitiveness at the continental level.
Head coach Baltemar Brito has focused on revitalizing the team with a blend of local and overseas-based players. Talents such as Marvelous Nakamba, Tino Kadewere, and Marshall Munetsi will aim to make an impression and test Algeria’s backline with quick transitions and physical play.
Tactical Overview
The game promises a fascinating tactical battle. Algeria are expected to dominate possession with their technical style, relying on creative midfielders like Aouar and Bennacer to control tempo and supply the attack. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will likely adopt a compact structure, aiming to strike on the counterattack through Kadewere’s pace and Munetsi’s power.
Given that it is a friendly match, both managers may rotate heavily and experiment with formations. For Algeria, it’s also an opportunity to test defensive combinations — an area that proved costly in recent international fixtures.
What This Match Means
Beyond the scoreboard, this encounter is about preparation, confidence, and chemistry. For Algeria, victory would boost morale ahead of AFCON 2025 and help solidify Petković’s tactical framework. For Zimbabwe, a strong showing could signal progress and build momentum for future competitions.
Prediction
Given their superior squad depth and experience, Algeria are favorites to win. However, Zimbabwe’s resilience could make it a competitive contest.
Predicted Score: Algeria 2–1 Zimbabwe.