Ben Yahia trusts Naidji and technical quality as MC Alger face ASN Nigelec

MC Alger have named a technically minded starting line-up for their CAF Champions League first-round preliminary tie against ASN Nigelec in Niamey, with coach Khaled Ben Yahia looking to take a significant advantage from the away leg.

The Algerian club are aiming to establish a strong position in the tie when they meet ASN Nigelec. Ben Yahia has selected a side with considerable technical potential for the opening match, signalling his intention to make a positive start to the competition.

Naidji is expected to be central to MC Alger’s attacking approach. Ben Yahia is placing particular emphasis on using his wingers to create danger from the flanks, with Naidji identified as one of the players who can provide that threat.

MC Alger’s starting XI includes Ramdane in goal, while Abdellaoui has been named captain. The full team is:

Ramdane; Khelif, Abdellaoui (captain), Ferhat, Bangoura, Ghezala, Halaimia, Abdelkader, Konate, Naidji, Ben Haoua.

The line-up combines a designated goalkeeper with a defensive group featuring Khelif, Abdellaoui, Ferhat, Bangoura, Ghezala and Halaimia. Abdelkader, Konate, Naidji and Ben Haoua complete the side selected for the first leg.

The choice of Naidji and Ben Haoua underlines the importance Ben Yahia has attached to the wide areas. MC Alger will hope their ability to attack from the sides can help them create opportunities and return from Niamey with a favourable result.

For Ben Yahia, the first-round tie represents an early opportunity to demonstrate the ambitions he has already expressed. His selection reflects a desire to give MC Alger a strong technical platform rather than approach the opening match cautiously.

The Algerian club therefore begin their CAF Champions League campaign with a clear objective: secure an advantage against ASN Nigelec in Niamey before the tie progresses. The starting line-up has now been confirmed, with Ramdane in goal, Abdellaoui leading the team as captain and Naidji among the attacking options tasked with causing problems from the flanks.

MC Alger’s meeting with ASN Nigelec is the first leg of the first round of the CAF Champions League preliminary stage. Their immediate focus is on producing a result that matches Ben Yahia’s ambitions and gives the club a solid base in the tie.