Algeria: Not selected by Hemdani, but in great shape in France!

Oct 3, 2026

After remaining on the bench during Algeria's first two matches of this break, an Algerian international is having an excellent start to the season in Ligue 1, where he leads a defensive statistic.

Ahmed Touba is enjoying a particularly impressive start to the season with Le Havre. The Algerian international defender currently has the highest number of interceptions in Ligue 1, with 13 balls recovered, tied with Dembo Sylla but ahead in the rankings based on playing time.

Arriving at HAC this summer from Panathinaikos, Touba quickly established himself in the Normandy defense. He has participated in four Ligue 1 matches, all as a starter, totaling 360 minutes, which is the entirety of the matches he has played. This consistency is already allowing him to stand out statistically in the French league.

His performances have also opened the door to the national team during this September-October gathering. Ahmed Touba had not been selected with the Greens for about a year, with his last call-up dating back to September 2025 under Vladimir Petkovic.

However, his return to the squad has not yet been followed by playing time. Brahim Hemdani left him on the bench during the victory against Zambia (3-1), and then during the draw against Burundi (2-2). Touba has therefore not played a single minute during the first two matches of this break, despite his current form at the club.

DZfoot