Brahim Hemdani has faced an early test of his authority as Algeria manager after Rayan Ait-Nouri reportedly refused to resume his warm-up during the 3-1 win over Zambia.
Ait-Nouri began the match on the bench, with Hemdani selecting Jaouen Hadjam at left-back for his first game in charge. The decision was rewarded when the Brighton player opened the scoring in the second minute.
Images before kick-off showed Ait-Nouri looking unhappy on the substitutes’ bench and speaking with Ahmed Touba. The situation is reported to have become more tense after half-time.
Several Algerian media outlets reported that the Manchester City player was initially sent to warm up. After Zambia equalised, however, the coaching staff changed their plans and asked him to wait.
When Algeria regained the lead through Ibrahim Maza, Hemdani is said to have wanted Ait-Nouri to prepare for a possible introduction once again. The player reportedly declined to return to the warm-up despite efforts by members of the staff and coaching team to intervene.
He did not come on.
Asked about the incident after the match, Hemdani declined to discuss an individual case but stressed the importance of collective discipline.
“I do not want to talk about an individual case. Our mission here is to serve the national team and defend its interests, nothing else,” he said.
“If an abnormal situation were to arise, whether at club or international level, we would take the appropriate measures. In this particular case, there is nothing to say on the matter.”
A player’s disappointment at not being selected to start is understandable, but managing such reactions will be important for Hemdani as he establishes his authority and shapes a new hierarchy within the squad.
Hadjam’s challenge to Ait-Nouri is also supported by his performances. Ait-Nouri has played only 105 minutes for Manchester City this season, while his recent appearances at major tournaments for Algeria have not removed doubts over his form.
He was unable to make a significant impact at the most recent CAN and also disappointed when given a starting opportunity during the 2026 World Cup.
Hadjam, by contrast, took his chance against Zambia by scoring and producing a convincing display.
The match also featured visible frustration from Mohamed Amoura. The forward provided two assists but failed to score, appeared unhappy when substituted in the 70th minute and finished the game in tears after also being jeered by some supporters.
The two incidents were different, but both underline one of Hemdani’s immediate responsibilities: managing emotions and individual ambitions without allowing them to disrupt the team.
Ait-Nouri’s next opportunity to respond will come on the pitch when Algeria travel to Burundi on Tuesday for their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.