Algeria: Radouani as a left-back, Anthar Yahia's decision?

Sep 19, 2026

Following the announcement of the 26 players selected by Brahim Hemdani, questions arise, particularly regarding one position: right-back.

The starter, Rafik Belghali, along with Luca Zidane, has been handed a four-match suspension (two of which are firm), following the events that occurred after the quarter-final of the last Africa Cup of Nations against Nigeria. He will therefore miss the first matches in September, which are qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
> See: The 26 players selected by Hemdani

We expected to see new faces or to welcome back players absent during the World Cup. It is worth noting that the current Torino player was the only right-back by trade.

Indeed, Vladimir Petkovic opted for two right-footed central defenders, namely Samir Chergui and Achraf Abada as Belghali's replacements, with the left-footed Jaouen Hadjam as a third option who has played in that position before, and even Aïssa Mandi as a last resort. Thus, the ambidextrous Mehdi Dorval was dropped at the last minute.

Before Hemdani's press conference, we mentioned four names to replace Belghali. Four genuine right-backs, three of whom are in great form at the start of the season.

There is, of course, Kevin Guitoun (30 years old), who has 9 caps since 2023, regularly called up by Belmadi but overlooked by Petkovic. He is shining with Charleroi, with two goals and two assists in six matches.

Another player in his thirties, Akim Zedadka (31 years old), one cap in 2022, who is making his debut in the final phase of the UEFA Champions League with Sabah. Finally, Mohamed Azzi (24 years old), who has never been capped at the senior level, transferred this summer to CSKA Moscow, where he is showing promising performances.

Radouani recruited by Yahia at USMA

Ultimately, to everyone's surprise, the new coaching staff has chosen Saadi Radouani (31 years old), 1 cap in 2024. The captain of USM Alger has solid African club experience (54 matches) and has won three continental titles.

However, it is hard to believe that this was Brahim Hemdani's choice, but rather that of Anthar Yahia, who brought him to USM Alger in the summer of 2020 when he was the sporting director of the capital team.

Radouani is a robust defender and an interesting player in attack with good crosses, but he lacks significant experience at the national level where he has been a substitute twice during the CHAN 2023 and 2025 under Madjid Bougherra, who favored Mokhtar Belkhiter or Reda Halaimia.

We therefore question this choice, even if Hemdani seems to prioritize caution and experience, but the presence of a younger player like Mohamed Azzi would likely not have been a bad idea...

DZfoot