Algeria came from behind to beat Niger 2-1 in Tizi Ouzou on Tuesday, but their unconvincing performance left Ilan Kebbal describing the display as “insufficient”.
The friendly was intended to restore confidence after Algeria narrowly avoided a major setback in their previous match, a 2-2 draw away to Burundi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, despite securing victory, the Fennecs were unable to end the international break on the positive note they had wanted.
Algeria struggled to contain Niger in the opening stages and fell behind after 12 minutes, when Konan Ndri silenced the home crowd in Tizi Ouzou. The hosts found it difficult to respond before half-time and were second best for much of the first period.
Their reaction came after the interval, helped by the introduction of Bachir Belloumi following Ibrahim Maza’s injury. Belloumi made an immediate impact, restoring parity in the 53rd minute with an outstanding direct free-kick.
Algeria then completed the turnaround in the 72nd minute. Ramy Bensebaini converted from the penalty spot after Adil Boulbina had won the spot-kick, securing a second successive result for Brahim Hemdani’s side.
The match was the third of Hemdani’s tenure. Although Algeria remain unbeaten since his appointment, the performance has increased the pressure surrounding the coach, who is still working to establish his approach with the national team.
Kebbal was active on the right but struggled to make the desired impact. His post-match assessment reflected the frustration surrounding the display, with the Algeria player offering a particularly critical view of the team’s performance.
Sohaib Nair, who made his first appearance for Algeria after being selected at right-back, urged patience with the new coach.
“The coach has only just arrived, so we need to give him a little time to put his game plan in place. You cannot learn how to play in 15 days. We are working well, so things will improve,” said the versatile defender of AS Saint-Etienne.
Algeria’s victory ensures they finish the international break with a win, but their defensive vulnerability and slow start against Niger mean there is still work to do under Hemdani.