Amoura has a key role as Algeria seek AFCON redemption

Striker Mohamed Amoura is set to be a key figure as Algeria seek redemption at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco after disastrous campaigns in the previous two editions.

The Desert Foxes won Africa’s top football competition for the second time in 2019, beating Senegal 1-0 in the final in Cairo.

But in two AFCON appearances, they failed to win a match in six attempts and twice suffered humiliating first-round exits, leading to the sacking of coach Djamel Belmadi.

He was replaced by Vladimir Petkovic, who led Switzerland to two Euro Championship tournaments and a World Cup during a seven-year reign.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina-born 62-year-old made the changes when he took charge of Algeria last year, including giving Amoura more chances.

His faith in the 25-year-old, now with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, has been richly rewarded with Amura becoming the top scorer in the 2026 African World Cup qualifiers with 10 goals.

Amoura tormented various opponents as Algeria secured a fifth appearance at the global showpiece, scoring a hat-trick against Mozambique and two each against Botswana, Somalia and Uganda.

He has since also found the net in an AFCON warm-up win over Zimbabwe as Algeria prepare for Group E clashes with Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.

It’s a mini-league that Algeria are tipped to win and Petkovic admits the Foxes are seen as the strongest of the four contenders.

“The main goal is to get past the first round and (then) go as far as possible in the tournament,” he said after announcing his squad.

‘Huge price’

Amoura told Algerian media that he is optimistic that Algeria will win Group E and advance to the round of 16.

“It’s a strong group. We respect every team, but we don’t fear any team. Algeria have a balanced team that includes some excellent players.

“Our aim is to go deep into the tournament and represent our country in the best possible way. We want to make our supporters happy and fight for the title.

“There is no secret to scoring 10 goals in World Cup qualifiers. My achievements are due to hard work and the trust given to me by my teammates and coaches.

“It’s a great honor to wear the Algeria shirt. I want to help my team as much as possible, whether it’s scoring, creating goals or going back to defend.”

Amoura hailed Petkovic for creating an atmosphere during the training camps conducive to the success of a country that also won the 1990 AFCON.

“The atmosphere is great, it is serious, focused and there is a desire to give our best. It has to be like that because the 2025 AFCON is full of strong teams.”

Amoura left Wolfsburg for Algeria at the weekend after scoring in a 3-1 league win at second-tier side Borussia Monchengladbach.

He and Ivorian teenager Yann Diomande are the top African scorers in the Bundesliga this season with six goals each.

Amoura made his professional debut just five years ago with Entente Setif. He made an immediate impact, leading to moves to Lugano and Union Saint-Germain before moving to Wolfsburg last year.

He initially left Union on loan, but the German club, releasing the potential of the Algerian, made the move permanent this year.