Bougherra fears key player exodus ahead of 2024 CHAN

Algerian “A” national team head coach Madjid Bougherra is worried about losing key players ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) kickoff in August 2025. The tournament, to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is approaching as the Algerian national side prepares their efforts to win it for the first time.

The 2022 CHAN runners-up are drawn in Group C alongside Uganda, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger. Local Les Fennecs coach Bougherra faces another headache with the tournament kickoff fast approaching. According to La Gazzette du Fennec, the player transfer window is causing havoc in the national team’s preparation efforts.

The Algerian football website reported that JS Kabylie striker Redouane Berkane, who scored 18 goals last season, is considering transfers to Russian side Dynamo Makhachkala, as well as Belgian clubs Charleroi and Zulte Waregem. CR Belouizdad striker Aymen Mahious has yet to extend his loan deal, as clubs from Saudi Arabia are planning a move for him. MC Alger midfielder Akram Bouras might move to Europe, which could rule him out of CHAN participation.

Bougherra has already lost Algerian Ligue 1 2024/25 top scorer Adil Boulbina following his big-money move to Qatari side Al Duhail as expected. The coach, who led Algeria in the 2022 edition, hopes to improve on the result the team achieved three years ago.

With the transfer window still active, Bougherra aims to avoid losing more key players. CHAN is reserved exclusively for players competing in their respective national league competitions.