Brahim Hemdani is considering a significant overhaul of Algeria’s goalkeeping options for his first squad, with Oussama Benbot reportedly at risk of being left out despite featuring for the side at the 2026 World Cup.
Hemdani, who was appointed head coach of the Algeria senior team only a few days ago, is expected to announce his squad shortly. The selection will cover the opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying fixtures, against Zambia in Tizi Ouzou on 25 September and Burundi in Bujumbura on 29 September, as well as a friendly against Niger in Tizi Ouzou on 6 October.
According to journalist Imad Mostefai, Benbot could be omitted from the new manager’s plans. Hemdani is reportedly considering a three-man goalkeeping group made up of Melvin Mastil, Kilian Belazzoug and Abdellatif Ramdane.
Luca Zidane, who had been Algeria’s first-choice goalkeeper since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under former manager Vladimir Petkovic, is suspended and therefore unavailable.
Benbot’s possible exclusion would carry particular significance. The 31-year-old retired from international football in mid-January after being frustrated by his failure to play a single minute at the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, a series of impressive performances for USM Alger, combined with uncertainty caused by a succession of injuries affecting Algeria’s goalkeepers, led to his return for the 2026 World Cup. Benbot made one appearance at the tournament, starting the decisive match against Austria, which Algeria drew 3-3 on 28 June to secure qualification for the last 16.
If the current indications prove accurate, the former JS Kabylie goalkeeper could view his omission as another major setback in his international career. It could also lead him to close the door on Algeria permanently.
The goalkeeping position has been a regular source of debate around the national team in recent years. A number of players have been tried, but none has fully established himself as a convincing long-term solution.
Anthony Mandrea, Alexis Guendouz, Alexandre Oukidja and Zakaria Bouhalfaya are among those to have been given opportunities. The continued changes in the position have underlined the uncertainty facing Algeria as Hemdani prepares to begin his tenure.
The new coach’s first squad will therefore offer an early indication of his approach, particularly in an area where Algeria has struggled to settle on a definitive hierarchy. With three competitive matches scheduled in the space of less than two weeks, Hemdani may choose to introduce a new group of goalkeepers rather than rely on players associated with previous selections.
For Benbot, who returned to the international set-up for the World Cup after ending his international retirement, the decision could represent a fresh disappointment.