Brahim Hemdani has named his first Algeria squad, selecting 26 players for the opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Fennecs will begin their Group? campaign at home against Zambia in Tizi-Ouzou on 25 September, before travelling to Bujumbura to face Burundi four days later.
Hemdani’s first selection contains several notable changes from the squad previously managed by Vladimir Petkovic. Houssem Aouar, Ramiz Zerrouki and Hicham Boudaoui have all been left out, while Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali are unavailable because they are suspended for both matches.
Aissa Mandi and Riyad Mahrez are also no longer available for selection after ending their international careers following the 2026 World Cup.
The new coach has brought nine players back into the Algeria set-up after they missed the most recent World Cup. The returning group includes Ilan Kebbal, Himad Abdelli, Adil Aouchiche, Adem Zorgane, Ahmed Touba, Saadi Radouani, Monsef Bakrar, Amin Chiakha and Bachir Belloumi.
The squad also retains a number of important attacking players, including Amine Gouiri, Mohamed Amine Amoura and Ibrahim Maza. Hemdani’s first list therefore represents the start of a new cycle as Algeria begin their bid to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The squad includes three goalkeepers: Melvin Mastil, Abdelatif Ramdane and Kilian Belazzoug.
In defence, Hemdani has selected Achraf Abada, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Zineddine Belaid, Ramy Bensebaini, Samir Chergui, Jaouen Hadjam, Souhaib Nair, Saadi Radouani and Ahmed Touba.
The midfield options are Himad Abdelli, Adil Aouchiche, Nabil Bentaleb, Fares Chaibi, Ibrahim Maza and Adem Zorgane.
The eight forwards named are Mohamed Amine Amoura, Monsef Bakrar, Bachir Belloumi, Adil Boulbina, Amin Chiakha, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa and Ilan Kebbal.
Algeria’s meeting with Zambia on 25 September will be Hemdani’s first match in charge, with the trip to Burundi following on 29 September.