Following Ait-Nouri, a new disciplinary incident has erupted within the U23 team.
A week after the high-profile exclusion of Rayan Aït-Nouri from the national team, discipline has struck again within the Algerian squad. This time, it is the U23 team that has lost a player just hours before their departure for South Africa. Abdelmalek Kelaleche, midfielder for CR Belouizdad, was asked to leave the training center following an incident during the camp in Algiers.
Algeria's U23 Team Leaves for Durban Without Kelaleche
The Olympic squad departed this Sunday for Durban. The group will stay there from September 28 to October 5 for an intensive training camp. This gathering is part of the preparation for the 2027 U23 AFCON qualifiers, a competition that paves the way for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The camp will include two friendly matches against South Africa on October 1 and 4.
ALSO READ: Rayan Aït Nouri Excluded from the Greens After Incident Against Zambia
A player was removed from the list at the last minute for strictly disciplinary reasons. This player is Abdelmalek Kelaleche. Several team leaders attempted to ease the situation between the player and his coach, but mediation was unsuccessful. The CRB midfielder did not wish to apologize.
The staff's reaction was swift. Kelaleche was asked to gather his belongings and leave the premises immediately. The following day, he resumed training with his club, leaving his spot to his CRB teammate, Abdelaziz Kahia.
A Clear Disciplinary Line Established Across All Teams
The timing raises questions. Just a few days earlier, the senior team staff made a similar decision by excluding Rayan Aït-Nouri from the group due to his behavior on the bench during the match against Zambia. Two distinct situations, but a shared philosophy: the collective comes first.
Within the Greens, this matter has sparked strong reactions. The Manchester City defender had refused to prepare to enter the game in the second half, creating a tense atmosphere around the touchline. Brahim Hemdani, recently appointed, chose to assert his authority with firmness.
This parallel highlights the direction taken by the FAF. Youth teams do not receive any preferential treatment, and players from the local league are judged in the same manner as those playing in Europe.
Moreover, Kelaleche is not the only one missing the trip to South Africa. Mohamed Lamine Ramdaoui also left the gathering, but for medical reasons. The player is suffering from an injury and has given up his place to his USMA teammate, Mohamed Bouderbala.
ALSO READ: Hemdani Wins His Debut: Algeria 3-1 Zambia
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