Algeria is hoping to restore pride at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and striker Mohamed Amoura is expected to play a central role in their quest for redemption.

The Desert Foxes last tasted AFCON glory in 2019, when they defeated Senegal in the final in Cairo. Since then, things have gone badly wrong. Algeria failed to win a single match in their last two tournament appearances, crashing out in the group stage both times. Those poor runs led to the dismissal of long-serving coach Djamel Belmadi.

Algeria turned to experienced Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic, who took over last year after successful spells at major international tournaments with Switzerland. One of his early decisions was to give Amoura more responsibility, a move that has paid off.

The 25-year-old Wolfsburg striker has become the top scorer in African qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with 10 goals. His performances included a hat-trick against Mozambique and multiple goals against Botswana, Somalia, and Uganda, helping Algeria qualify for their fifth World Cup. He also scored in a recent AFCON warm-up win over Zimbabwe.

Algeria has been drawn in Group E alongside Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. The group is seen as manageable, and Petkovic has admitted that Algeria is viewed as the strongest team, with the immediate aim being to move past the first round and progress as far as possible.

Amoura has said he believes Algeria can top the group and reach the knockout stages. He stressed that the squad respects every opponent but does not fear any team, adding that they aim to make supporters proud and challenge for the title.

He credited his goal-scoring form to hard work and the trust shown by teammates and coaches, and described playing for Algeria as a great honour. He also praised Petkovic for creating a focused and positive training environment.

Amoura arrived in camp after scoring for Wolfsburg in a Bundesliga win and is currently one of the league’s top African scorers this season.