Algeria: Mahrez and Mandi return to the national team in September!

The upcoming gathering of the national team could present a special opportunity for Algerian fans. Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi, two iconic figures of the team in recent years, may soon reunite with their former teammates in a very different setting.

The new coaching staff of the Greens is indeed preparing for the next training camp, scheduled from September 21 to October 7, which includes two matches for the qualifiers of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027, as well as a friendly match against Niger. However, beyond the sporting stakes, particular attention should be given to two former pillars of the national team.

According to information released by the media outlet Winwin, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), in agreement with the new coach Brahim Hemdani, has decided to send a special invitation to Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi. However, the two players are not expected to be on the official call-up list.

Their presence would primarily be symbolic and honorary, aimed at paying tribute to two players who have left a mark in the recent history of the Greens. Both Mahrez and Mandi had ended their international careers shortly after the 2026 World Cup for Mahrez, and a few weeks later for Mandi.

This initiative aims to allow the two former internationals to receive a tribute worthy of their journey in the Algerian jersey. Their departure from the national team, which occurred after the World Cup and without the presence of Algerian fans, did not allow for a proper farewell ceremony.

The idea is to offer them a grand farewell, surrounded by their former teammates and, potentially, in front of the Greens' supporters.

Beyond the tribute, their return to the group could also hold symbolic importance for the new generation. Their experience and charisma among the Algerian internationals could provide support for the new project led by Hemdani.

For the supporters, the prospect of seeing Mahrez and Mandi alongside the Greens would mainly represent a great opportunity to bid farewell one last time to two players who have long embodied the national team.

DZfoot