Yazid Mansouri, Algeria’s captain and a veteran with 65 caps was removed from his leadership role by Rabah Saadane.
The FC Lorient defensive midfielder has struggled in training camp.
Antar Yahia has been named as captain. In an interview with Echourouk:
“I am proud to be the team’s captain especially in this world event. I also feel that heavy responsibility for representing my country.”
Hassan Yebda has recovered from his injury and will appear against Slovenia on Saturday. Mehdi Lacen, who plays for Racing Santander, is the other defensive midfielder.
The Fennecs are to play a 3-2-1-3-1 with Yahia, Rafik Halliche, and Madjid Bougherra at the back. Faouzi Chaouchi will start at goal.
In midfield, Karim Ziani plays attacking midfielder. Nader Belhadj and Karim Matmour occupy the flanks on either side of Yebda. The three defenders are bolstered by Mansouri and Lacen. The lone striker will be Rafik Djebbour preferred over Ghezzal and Rafik Saifi.
There is some confusion as to whether Mansouri was also dropped from the Slovenia game but reports are that he has been retained but stripped of captaincy.