Brahim Hemdani has named his first Algeria squad since replacing Vladimir Petkovic, with the return of Hull City forward Bachir Belloumi and the omission of Granada goalkeeper Luca Zidane among the main talking points.
Hemdani was appointed nearly two weeks ago after leading Algeria Under-21s to the gold medal at the football tournament of the Taranto-Italy 2026 Mediterranean Games on 31 August. Former Algeria international Anthar Yahia has joined him as part of the new set-up.
The 26-player squad includes three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and eight forwards. Former Algeria Olympic team manager Azzedine Ait Djoudi said the priority should be to build a collective capable of competing at the highest level, rather than focusing only on the change in personnel.
The international retirements of Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi also mean responsibilities must be redistributed. Ait Djoudi warned Hemdani against attempting to alter everything immediately, arguing that the new coach must allow the team to develop progressively.
Goalkeeping competition
Luca Zidane is unavailable through suspension, while Oussama Benbout is also absent according to the information provided. That leaves Melvin Mastil, Abdelatif Ramdane and Kilian Belazzoug competing for the position.
Ait Djoudi believes Ramdane’s inclusion gives him a significant opportunity, but does not guarantee him a starting place. The decision, he said, should be based on current form and performance rather than reputation or the circumstances behind another goalkeeper’s absence.
Defence requires balance
The defensive options include Ramy Bensebaini, Zineddine Belaid, Ahmed Touba, Sohaib Nair, Jaouen Hadjam and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Touba’s return after a lengthy absence gives the staff the chance to reassess a player with international experience, while Nair’s selection reflects the new team’s willingness to consider different profiles. Ait Djoudi’s view is that the main issue will not be a shortage of defenders, but how effectively they complement one another.
Bensebaini’s reduced playing time at Dortmund, meanwhile, should not by itself be enough to question his selection.
Midfield central to Hemdani’s plans
Nabil Bentaleb, Himad Abdelli, Adil Aouchiche, Fares Chaibi, Ibrahim Maza and Adem Zorgane offer different qualities in midfield. Their contribution, Ait Djoudi believes, will depend on clearly defined responsibilities.
Bentaleb’s continued involvement, despite criticism following the 2026 World Cup, can be explained by his experience, ability to provide balance and passing quality. However, the midfielder’s role must be clearly established.
The absences of Ramiz Zerrouki, Houssem Aouar and Hicham Boudaoui have prompted questions about the new staff’s selection criteria, although Ait Djoudi does not regard those decisions as permanent.
Belloumi and Kebbal given opportunities
Algeria’s attacking choices include Mohamed Amine Amoura, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa, Bachir Belloumi, Ilan Kebbal, Amin Chiakha and Bilal Boutobba.
Ait Djoudi says the talent available is an asset, but the team must retain its collective balance rather than trying to field every attacking player at once. Belloumi, who has been out of the squad for almost two years and has impressed with Hull City, deserves a genuine opportunity, although he should not be expected to revive the attack alone.
Kebbal’s return after missing the 2026 World Cup for sporting reasons also provides an opportunity. He will need a defined role that allows him to use his creativity and movement between the lines.
Anthar Yahia can add experience, particularly through communication with players and his knowledge of the national-team environment. Ait Djoudi nevertheless stressed that responsibilities within the new coaching staff must be clearly divided.
The matches against Zambia and Burundi will be Hemdani’s first official tests, leaving limited room for error between developing his project and meeting the demand for results. The friendly against Niger should provide more scope to assess players and experiment with roles.
Ait Djoudi believes Hemdani’s biggest task is to give Algeria a clear identity. The debate should not be restricted to choosing between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1; the coach must remain ready to adjust his decisions. Competition, he says, should be determined by performances rather than reputation or outside pressure.