Algeria: Yahia and Hemdani call on several former players!

The Hemdani - Yahia duo has dived into the heart of the matter, with an initial expanded selection that outlines their intentions.

Regarding the goalkeepers, there should be no upheavals; Luca Zidane will still be present, along with Melvin Mastil, both being starters at their clubs this season, with the former even delivering remarkable performances with his new club, Leganes.

As for Oussama Benbot, his place in the squad is not guaranteed, especially since USM Alger has only played one match so far. In fact, no other goalkeeper in the Algerian league is performing better.

Thus, it is not unlikely to see Killian Belazzoug, who participated in the preparation as a starter with Rennes, or Teddy Boulhendi, who did the same with Nice, in the final list. It is less likely to consider Ewan Hatfout from Le Mans.

The main focus should be on the defense, especially with the death of record cap holder Aïssa Mandi, the lack of form of Ramy Bensebaini, and the transfer of Mohamed Amine Tougaï to Libya.

Fortunately, Zinnedine Belaid continues with Al Taawoun in Saudi Arabia, already having played six matches. The most anticipated return is that of Sohaib Naïr, called up in March 2025 and March 2026 without having played.

Since then, the 24-year-old defender has been transferred to Saint-Etienne where he is having an excellent start to the season in Ligue 2. Another very likely return is that of Ahmed Touba, sidelined for over a year and somewhat marginalized in the national team.

His signing with Le Havre in Ligue 1 should allow him to return through the front door. Finally, the name of Abdelnour Soualhia, a tall 25-year-old stopper, revealed with Telstar since this summer in the Dutch league, should be noted.

The full-backs are not expected to change, although Rayan Aït Nouri, Jaouen Hadjam, and Rafik Belghali are all lacking playing time. Notably, Kevin Guitoun is in great form with Charleroi. Questions remain about Samir Chergui.

In midfield, many questions persist regarding the situations of Hicham Boudaoui, who is waiting with Nice. Uncertainties surround Bentaleb and Zerrouki, who were very disappointing during the World Cup. Fortunately, Yacine Titraoui is there to bring back smiles, although he has been injured with Lens.

Possible return of Youcef Belaili!

Offensively, there is always the satisfaction of being able to count on Ibrahim Maza and Fares Chaibi. The challenge remains to identify complementary players such as Himad Abdelli and Houssem Aouar, not forgetting the young Adil Bourabaa from Le Mans.

In attack, the big absentee will of course be Riyad Mahrez, who has retired. His natural replacement is obviously Anis Hadj Moussa, who was excellent against Barça recently, but he will face competition from Bachir Belloumi, who should finally get his chance. Ilan Kebbal is also likely to be recalled, unlike Ghedjemis.

On the left, Adil Boulbina should no longer be alone, as several sources indicate that Anthar Yahia has marked the name of Youcef Belaili, who scored this weekend with ES Tunis. Even Yacine Brahimi, 36 years old, could appear in the expanded list.

Finally, up front, the new selectors should consider recalling Baghdad Bounedjah, the big omission from the World Cup. Behind him, young Amin Chiakha has finally broken through with Rosenborg, and should also be part of the team.

In a different vein, Amine Gouiri, finally performing with Marseille, will undoubtedly be on the list. For Mohamed Amoura, it is less certain, as he has just settled in Nice, as well as for Benbouali and Bakrar, who have transferred to Egypt.

DZfoot