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The national handball coach, Salah Bouchekriou, indicated that the first objective through the organization of a preparation course in Algiers (October 27-November 2) was to seek to work on cohesion in the group, composed mainly of young new players.
“This first regrouping of the Algerian selection comes after several months of stopping and whose first objective is to seek cohesion in the group, made up of 21 players including eight young players called up for the first time in the national team,” Bouchekriou told the press on the sidelines of a training session at the OMS hall in Bordj El Kiffan (Algiers).
The new national technical staff, made up of coaches Salah Bouchekriou, Redouane Aouachria, Sofiane Elimmam and Abdelghani Loukil, called on 21 players, including those playing abroad, as part of its preparation for the African Championship, scheduled for January 21 to 31, 2026 in Rwanda.
“To tell the truth, the new component of the Algerian Handball Federation (FAHB) was initially oriented towards the recruitment of a foreign technician to take the reins of the Algerian selection, something which did not materialize for several reasons. Under these conditions, I cannot turn my back on the grievances of the resident of the FAHB, it is a national duty,” he explained regarding his return to the head of the National Seven.
The national coach also returned to the list of players called up and the notable absence of some elements playing in foreign championships, such as Nouri-Salim Benhalima, Bastien Khermouche and Mustapha Hadj Sadok.
“We have goalkeeper Khelifa Ghodbane who suffers from a knee problem and who must have an injection before joining the group (Wednesday evening). Concerning the players Nouri-Salim Benhalima, Bastien Khermouche and Mustapha Hadj Sadok, they decided not to join the national team,” said Bouchekriou, stressing that “the doors of the Algerian selection are open to all players.”
To best prepare for the next edition of the African Championship, the national coach announced the scheduling of two training courses in November and December, with the presence of players playing in the local championship.
“Two preparation courses are on the program in November and December. From December 22, the group will be completed by players playing abroad before entering the home stretch, with the organization of several friendly matches,” he said.