MTNFootball

Algeria have reached their first World Cup finals in 24 years and have a generation of players now who they believe can emulate their team of the 1980s that reached consecutive tournaments.

Coached by former international Rabah Saadane, who is in his fifth spell leading the side, including being at the helm when the side played at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the last time they featured at football’s showpiece event.

At their first showing in 1982 they were desperately unlucky not to make the second round after winning two of their three group matches, including a sensational 2-1 win over West Germany, followed by a 3-2 defeat of Chile.

They won the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, beating Nigeria 1-0 in the final, their greatest success on the international stage to date, but have not progressed past the quarterfinals since, and did not qualify for the 2006 and 2008 tournament finals at all.

The country’s Championnat National is the top flight league, formed in 1962 and presently featuring 18 teams. The reigning champions are Entente Setif, though JS Kabylie, with 14 titles, is Algeria’s most successful side.

JS Kabylie has also won the African Champions League twice, MC Algiers and Entente Setif once each.

FIFA World Rankings

Country	Updated 15 Jan
28 Egypt	4
29 Algeria	15
30 Colombia	18

Africa Rankings

Country	Updated 15 Jan
03 Egypt	4
04 Algeria	15
05 Nigeria	2

Team Info

Team History