Algeria: Four alternatives to succeed Rafik Belghali

As he approaches his first selection with Algeria, Brahim Hemdani must already make decisions on several issues. On the right side, the absence of Rafik Belghali presents him with a genuine problem of abundance.

Brahim Hemdani's first roster as head coach of the Algerian national team is expected in the coming days. While the left side of the defense raises questions, the right flank, on the other hand, presents a true problem of abundance.

Suspended by CAF following the incidents that occurred after the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Nigeria, Rafik Belghali will be absent for this gathering. Hemdani will have to choose from several in-form players.

Four options to replace Belghali

Mohamed Azzi has the advantage of form: the new arrival at CSKA Moscow has already played 6 matches and 460 minutes in the Russian league this season. Rafik Messali is also showing a strong rise with Toulouse, having recorded 4 appearances and 175 minutes in Ligue 1. Neither has yet been decisive.

More experienced, Akim Zedadka continues to deliver performances with Sabah in Azerbaijan. He has 9 matches, 777 minutes, and one assist in the Champions League, and was a starter at Old Trafford against Manchester United, where he played for about 75 minutes.

However, the most difficult candidate to dismiss remains Kévin Guitoun. With 2 goals and 2 assists in six matches with Charleroi, named player of the month for August and man of the match in his last game, he is clearly making a case for a spot with the Greens.

Finally, it is worth noting the situations of Redz Halaimia (MCA) and Mohamed Reda Hamidi (JSK), who have just resumed with their team, with Halaimia primarily playing as a central defender at the moment.

For reference, Algeria will face Zambia on September 25, Burundi on the 29th during the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and then Niger on October 6 in a friendly at the Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou.

DZfoot