Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi could be given a formal farewell by Algeria during the first international break of Brahim Hemdani’s reign, despite neither player being expected to return to the national squad.
The Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF) is reportedly preparing a special invitation for the two former Algeria players during the camp scheduled from 21 September to 7 October, according to Winwin.
The forthcoming international window already includes two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and a friendly. However, the federation is also understood to want to use the occasion to honour Mahrez and Mandi, members of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning side from 2019.
The pair’s involvement would be ceremonial rather than competitive. They are not expected to feature in Hemdani’s first squad, with the invitation intended to give them the public tribute they did not receive when they ended their international careers.
Mahrez announced his retirement after Algeria’s elimination by Switzerland in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Mandi followed several weeks later. Neither departure was marked by a formal ceremony in front of Algeria supporters.
The proposed gesture would allow the federation to rectify that omission.
Mahrez won 119 caps for Algeria, while Mandi made 122 appearances. Both represented the Fennecs for more than a decade, played at two World Cups and formed part of the generation that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mahrez was one of the tournament’s leading figures, scoring the decisive free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-final. Mandi, meanwhile, provided sustained defensive leadership and became one of the most-capped players in Algeria’s history.
Former team-mate Islam Slimani called this week for both players to be recognised for their contribution.
“They are two players who have marked the history of Algeria. [...] They are players who deserve a tribute,” he said.
The FAF appears to agree, with the timing also offering a symbolic start to the next phase of the national team. As Hemdani and Anthar Yahia begin building Algeria’s future, the new coaching staff could open their tenure by honouring two of the principal figures from the previous generation.
Several other experienced players could also be involved around the camp. Baghdad Bounedjah, Youcef Belaili and Yacine Brahimi are reportedly included in the extended squad, although their places in the final group have not been confirmed.
Algeria will host Zambia in Tizi Ouzou on 25 September before travelling to Bujumbura to face Burundi on 29 September. The camp will conclude with a match against Niger at Stade Hocine-Ait-Ahmed on 6 October.
One of those fixtures could therefore provide supporters with a final opportunity to see Mahrez and Mandi alongside the Fennecs not as players, but as two defining figures of a generation coming to an end.