2026 WCQ: Petkovic questions scheduling of Botswana encounter

Photo Credit: Algeria National Team media.

Algeria national side head coach Vladmir Petkovic criticized the match scheduling of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifier game against Botswana in Francistown where Les Fennec won 3-1.

The Bosnian vented on the situation as Algerian players struggled with fatigue and hot temperature.

Petkovic said he is yet to comprehend why the game was played under unfavorable temperature. “I can’t understand how the match was programmed at 2 o’clock in the evening and in these inappropriate circumstances.

“The health of the players is important and the circumstances were very dangerous for them. I really thank my players for the job well done. It was not easy but we managed to do it.”

The Ramadan fasting coupled with the hot weather of Francistown forced the North Africans to struggle during the game. Olympique de Marseille star Amine Gouiri and German based Mohamed Amoura scored the winning goals as Algeria reclaim top spot from Mozambique in Group G.

Algeria and Mozambique are on equal 12 points as they lock horns at Tizi Ouzou on March 26.