Mohamed Amoura set for pivotal part in Algerias bid for AFCON resurgence
Forward Mohamed Amoura is poised to play a central role as Algeria aims to bounce back at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco following poor showings in the previous two tournaments.
The Desert Foxes claimed their second victory in the continents top football event in 2019 by defeating Senegal 1-0 in the Cairo final.
However in the two subsequent AFCON outings they managed no wins across six games and suffered embarrassing group stage eliminations on both occasions resulting in the dismissal of manager Djamel Belmadi.
Vladimir Petkovic stepped in as his replacement bringing experience from guiding Switzerland to two European Championships and a World Cup over seven years.
The 62 year old from Bosnia and Herzegovina introduced significant alterations upon assuming control of Algeria last year notably providing greater chances to Amoura.
His trust in the 25 year old currently at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg has paid off handsomely with Amoura emerging as the top scorer in African 2026 World Cup qualifiers boasting 10 goals.
Amoura troubled numerous opponents as Algeria earned a fifth spot at the worldwide event netting a treble against Mozambique and braces versus Botswana Somalia and Uganda.
Following that he also scored during an AFCON preparation match against Zimbabwe while Algeria gears up for Group E clashes with Sudan Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.
This is a section Algeria is tipped to top and Petkovic recognises the Foxes as the frontrunners among the quartet.
The primary target is advancing beyond the opening stage then progressing as far as feasible he stated post squad reveal.
Immense privilege
Amoura shared with Algerian press his belief that Algeria will lead Group E and advance to the knockout phase.
It is a competitive pool. We hold respect for all opponents yet dread none. Algeria boasts a well rounded team featuring several exceptional talents.
Our aim is to advance far in the competition and honour our nation optimally. We intend to delight our fans and compete for the crown.
There is no mystery behind my 10 goals in World Cup qualifying efforts. These successes stem from diligent effort and the belief instilled by my colleagues and staff.
Wearing the Algerian shirt is an immense privilege. I aim to contribute maximally to the squad be it through goals assists or defensive duties.
Amoura praised Petkovic for fostering a productive environment in training sessions for a nation that also triumphed at the AFCON in 1990.
The vibe is superb. It is intense purposeful with everyone eager to perform at peak. This must be the case given the 2025 AFCON features formidable sides.
Amoura departed Wolfsburg for Algeria over the weekend having netted in a 3-1 Bundesliga triumph over relegation battlers Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Alongside young Ivorian Yan Diomande he tops the African goal charts in the Bundesliga this term with six strikes apiece.
Amoura debuted professionally merely five years back with Entente Setif where he quickly impressed paving the way for moves to Lugano and Union Saint Gilloise prior to his Wolfsburg arrival last year.
He first joined Union on temporary terms but the German outfit spotting his promise finalised the transfer this season.