Oussama Benbot has moved ahead in Algeria’s goalkeeper race after starring in the CAF Super Cup, but Melvin Mastil remains in contention and Rayane Yesli has been handed his first call-up.
The goalkeeper position remains unsettled as Brahim Hemdani prepares his squad for Algeria’s two-match meeting with Togo. His original selection included Benbot, Mastil and Abdelatif Ramdane, but Ramdane withdrew following the death of his father, leading to Yesli’s first appearance in the senior squad.
Algeria have yet to find a long-term successor to Rais M’Bolhi. Alexis Guendouz enjoyed a period as first choice, while Luca Zidane was also given an opportunity. Mastil and Ramdane have since been introduced, and Benbot has returned after being left out of Hemdani’s first training camp.
Benbot has the strongest immediate case. The 32-year-old USM Alger goalkeeper was recalled before the final and played a key part in his club’s 3-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Super Cup. Several important saves in South Africa have strengthened his prospects of starting against Togo.
His experience gives him an advantage over his two rivals, although questions remain over his performance in the 3-3 draw with Austria at the 2026 World Cup. Benbot conceded from all three shots on target he faced and was judged to have misread the opening goal.
The CAF Super Cup has nevertheless provided him with fresh momentum and made him the leading short-term candidate.
Mastil offers Hemdani greater continuity. The Lausanne goalkeeper was called up and used during the previous international window and now has four caps for Algeria. None of his appearances, however, has put the issue beyond doubt.
His continued inclusion suggests Hemdani is prepared to give him more time. The coach wants the starting goalkeeper to establish himself through performances for both club and country.
“Finding a number one, a number two and a number three is also a strategy. We are still in that process,” Hemdani said at a news conference. He added that he had selected the goalkeepers who had enjoyed the most playing time and shown the best form since the previous camp.
Ramdane’s withdrawal could have opened the door for Luca Zidane, but Hemdani instead chose Yesli. That decision underlines that Zidane’s omission from the squad is a sporting choice. His playing time at Leganes has fallen, while his early appearances for Algeria had not made him an obvious selection.
Yesli arrives without senior international experience but has made a strong case at Olympique Akbou. Before his call-up, he had kept four clean sheets in seven league matches. His specialist coach, Hichem Mezair, a former Algeria goalkeeper with 30 caps, has highlighted Yesli’s physical presence and his ability to come off his line.
Benbot, Mastil and Yesli will each have an opportunity to impress Hemdani, but the uncertainty reflects a wider issue. No Algeria goalkeeper has matched the stability M’Bolhi provided for several years, creating a generational gap similar to the one affecting the centre-forward position.
Benbot currently holds a narrow advantage, Mastil has continuity and Yesli remains the unknown option. Whoever plays will need time and patience. As Mezair said: “If he misses a cross or has a bad match, he must not be condemned.” Without that continuity, Algeria’s goalkeeping debate is unlikely to end.