Algeria looking to play Colombia

Islam Slimani of Algeria celebrates winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Mark Gleeson

Wednesday Sep 18, 2019. 17:00

African champions Algeria are in the process of securing a friendly international next month against Colombia, which will be played in France.

The game is set for Lille, probably on October 15, but still has to be officially confirmed.

It would be the first opportunity for the large expatriate Algerian population in France to celebrate their winning of the Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt in July.

A packed crowd was on hand on September 10 at Algiers’ 5th July Stadium to see the Fennecs beat Benin 1-0 in a friendly international after which they paraded the trophy for home fans and their new kit with two stars above the badge. The stars represent their two Cup of Nations triumphs.

Colombia sources said the South Americans would play Chile in Alicante, Spain, likely on October 11, and then take on Algeria.

On Wednesday, the Moroccan federation confirmed that they would host Libya and Gabon in friendly internationals on October 11 and 15 respectively. No venues were announced.

It follows on friendlies in Marrakesh last month against Burkina Faso and Niger for new coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

Earlier this week it was announced that Brazil would play Nigeria and Senegal in friendly matches in Singapore in the next international window.