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Algeria vs. Austria: Petkovic makes four changes to starting lineup, including a surprise goalkeeper
via Algérie3601 min read
Ahead of the Algeria-Austria match, Vladimir Petkovic's starting lineup has been revealed, featuring four changes from the previous game against Jordan. A notable change is Oussama Benbot starting as goalkeeper instead of Luca Zidane. Jaouen Hadjam will play on the left flank, replacing Rayan Ait-Nouri, while Rafik Belghali retains his position on the right. The central defense remains unchanged with Ramy Bensebaini and Aissa Mandi. The midfield sees Nabil Bentaleb and Houssam Aouar starting, with Ibrahim Maza continuing in his playmaking role. In attack, Riyad Mahrez will be on the right wing, Farès Chaïbi on the left, and Amine Gouiri as the main striker.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Algeria and China are enhancing their strategic energy partnership, with a focus on renewables, green hydrogen, and solar equipment manufacturing. This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting at the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies. Mourad Adjal, the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, hosted Han Wenxiu, vice-director of the Executive Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission and director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Work of the People's Republic of China. Minister Adjal highlighted the strong Algeria-China relations in energy, citing Chinese companies' involvement in key projects, including the construction of Algeria's largest photovoltaic power plant in Foulia. He advocated for expanding cooperation to include the transfer of Chinese expertise in carbon footprint reduction, green hydrogen development, and specialized human resource training. Adjal also emphasized the need to accelerate the completion of projects undertaken by Chinese companies in Algeria, such as the combined cycle power plant in Tébessa and the Birine project in Djelfa. Han Wenxiu expressed China's readiness to intensify cooperation, particularly in solar and wind energy, and showed interest in local manufacturing of photovoltaic panel components. Both parties agreed to foster a "win-win" partnership aligned with their strategic objectives.
Algeria has been identified as one of the countries with the lowest cost of living worldwide, according to the latest Numbeo ranking. With an index of 27.97 out of 155 countries, Algeria is positioned at 135th globally, indicating its affordability. The Numbeo index measures the cost of living by comparing prices for food, housing, transportation, and dining out, using New York City as the reference point with an index of 100. Living in Algeria costs less than one-third of living in New York, placing it alongside nations like Vietnam 26.45, Indonesia 26.08, and Tajikistan 27.88. The Numbeo index is composed of several sub-indices. For Algeria, the cost of living index is 27.97, the rent index is 3.53, the cost of living plus rent index is 17.07, the groceries index is 37.19, the restaurant price index is 16.54, and the local purchasing power index is 36.33. The particularly low rent index of 3.53 is a significant factor, being among the lowest globally. This contrasts sharply with countries like Switzerland 51.45 and France 22.29, and even neighboring Tunisia 5.34 and Morocco 8.33. Only a few countries, such as Pakistan 3.38, Afghanistan 2.34, and Bangladesh 2.59, show similar rent indices. When considering the combined cost of living plus rent, Algeria ranks among the ten cheapest countries globally. While rents are exceptionally low, the groceries index at 37.19 places Algeria in an intermediate range, higher than some countries like Madagascar 23.76 and Pakistan 18.19, but
Algeria and Austria are set to clash in a decisive match for the second spot in Group J of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The game will take place on Sunday at 3:00 AM Algerian time at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Argentina has already secured the top position in Group J with 6 points. Austria currently holds second place with 3 points, ahead of Algeria on goal difference, while Jordan is at the bottom with no points. Algeria needs only a draw to qualify for the round of 16, whereas Austria must win to advance. The Algerian public television channel ENTV will broadcast the match live and free, with commentary by Hamraoui "Sami" Nour Eddine and former international Hakim Medane. beIN Sports subscribers have multiple viewing options: beIN Sports Max 2 for Arabic commentary by Hafid Derradji, beIN Sports Max 5 for English commentary, and beIN Sports Max 6 for French commentary.