Hemdani's list: absence of Zidane and Aït-Nouri, two surprises and five players returning.
Brahim Hemdani has made a decision. Earlier this afternoon, the national coach revealed the list of players selected for the November gathering, which will prepare the Greens for their double confrontation against Togo in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Two new faces appear on the list, five experienced players return, while the absences of Rayan Aït-Nouri and Luca Zidane continue to spark debate.
The first match will take place on November 14 at the Hocine-Aït-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou. Three days later, on the 17th, Boudaoui's teammates will travel to Lomé for the return match. These two encounters could seal or complicate Algeria's qualification path.
Azzi and Rebbach, the two surprises in Hemdani's selection
The real newcomers on the list are Mohamed Azzi and Abderrahmane Rebbach. Azzi, a right-back, plays for Dynamo Makhachkala in Russia. Rebbach, a midfielder, plays for Deportivo Alavés in Spain's La Liga. Neither has worn the national jersey before.
These selections are not random. The performances of these players at their clubs since the start of the season have been in their favor. Hemdani, looking to strengthen the right flank and a midfield that sometimes lacks solutions, has chosen to prioritize current form over past habits.
This possibility had been considered for several days. The expanded list announced at the end of October already included several new faces, indicating that the technical staff was contemplating a partial renewal of the squad.
ALSO READ: CAF Awards 2026: Algeria's team, Maza, USMA, and CRB among the nominees
Benbot, Belghali, and Boudaoui among the five returns for the Greens
In goal, Oussama Benbot regains his place. The goalkeeper had been sidelined during the major reshuffle in September when Hemdani revealed a first list that surprised many observers. He thus returns to his position in the hierarchy of goalkeepers.
Four other players rejoin the squad. Rafik Belghali, after serving his suspension, returns to the right flank. Hicham Boudaoui, in great form at OGC Nice, where he has been a regular starter, is also back. Yacine Titraoui and Farès Ghedjemis complete this series of recalls.
For the Nice midfielder, this reintegration comes at a crucial moment. His regular playing time in Ligue 1 gives him a rhythm that few of his competitors currently display. A valuable asset in a camp where the Algerian recovery will face the Hawks.
Luca Zidane and Aït-Nouri absent from the Algerian squad
The situation of Luca Zidane raises questions. The goalkeeper had served his suspension and could reasonably expect to be reintegrated into the squad. However, his limited playing time with Leganés weighed in the balance. Hemdani opted for active players.
As for Rayan Aït-Nouri, his absence is of a different nature. The left-back from Manchester City seems to still be paying the consequences of events that occurred during the September gathering. No official explanation has been provided, but it appears that disciplinary logic is still in effect. A significant loss from a sporting perspective.
The Morning of Algeria 360°
The essential news from Algeria every morning in your inbox.
A double confrontation against Togo to secure the 2027 AFCON
The accounting situation requires special attention. The Greens lead Group I, but their advantage is only one point over Togo and Zambia. With only two places available for the final phase, any misstep would be detrimental. The initial victory against Zambia in Tizi Ouzou had launched the campaign well, but the draw conceded in Burundi has dampened enthusiasm.
Defense remains the main area of concern. Four goals conceded in three matches is a lot for a team aiming for first place. Despite this, the technical staff of the Greens has retained the majority of the defenders from the last gathering.
The gathering will begin at the National Technical Center in Sidi Moussa starting next Monday. Hemdani will have a few days to integrate the new players and stabilize a defense that still needs improvement. The final phase, scheduled for June and July in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is fast approaching.
ALSO READ: Amin Chiakha denounces a racist insult in Norway, Rosenborg contacts the Federation
More from this section
CAF Awards 2026: The Algerian team, Maza, USM Alger, and CR Belouizdad are among the nominees.
Videos during matches in Algeria: the FAF imposes stricter restrictions on cameramen.
Algeria national team: the outlines of Hemdani's selection are beginning to take shape.
Amin Chiakha laments a racist insult that occurred in Norway, while Rosenborg alerts the Federation.
Maza, a great hope for Algerian football, is attracting the attention of the biggest European clubs.
