The absence of Yacine Brahimi and Nabil Bentaleb from Djamel Belmadi’s squad for the sixth and final matchday of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers has sparked debate among Algerian supporters. Both players are usually considered key figures in the Fennecs’ setup, and their non-selection naturally raised questions ahead of the decisive fixture against Gambia.
Faced with growing curiosity and speculation, the Algerian head coach was quick to clarify his decisions, insisting that neither omission should be interpreted as a sanction or a loss of confidence.
Starting with Yacine Brahimi, Belmadi described his absence as insignificant in the broader context of the national team’s project. According to the coach, the decision was taken in full agreement with the FC Porto winger, who has endured a complicated season at club level.
“Brahimi’s absence is a non-event,” Belmadi explained. “This non-selection was made in agreement with him. He is going through a difficult period, but there is also a desire on our part to evaluate other players who can operate in his position.”
Brahimi has long been a creative force for Algeria, known for his dribbling ability and flair in the final third. However, Belmadi believes that the final qualifying match offers an ideal opportunity to assess alternative options, particularly with Algeria having already secured qualification for the AFCON finals. This strategic rotation allows the coaching staff to broaden the squad’s depth and prepare for future challenges.
Nabil Bentaleb’s absence follows a similar line of reasoning. The Schalke 04 midfielder, another regular in the Algerian setup, was also left out despite his experience and versatility. Belmadi emphasized that the decision was not related to form or discipline but rather to the need for experimentation.
“Nabil is a player we know very well,” the coach stated. “He is one of the players we did not call up in order to discover other profiles.”
With qualification already assured, Belmadi is clearly using the final match against Gambia as a testing ground. The objective is to observe new faces and give playing time to less experienced players who could prove valuable in the future, particularly with the AFCON finals and other competitions on the horizon.
This approach aligns with Belmadi’s long-term vision for the national team, which prioritizes squad balance, competition for places, and tactical flexibility. By rotating established players and integrating new ones, the Algerian coach aims to build a more resilient and competitive group capable of adapting to different opponents and match situations.
Algeria will face Gambia on the final day of the qualifiers, a match that still holds significance for the visitors, who are fighting for their own qualification hopes. For the Fennecs, however, the encounter serves as an opportunity to fine-tune preparations, test new combinations, and assess individual performances without the pressure of qualification.
In this context, the absences of Brahimi and Bentaleb appear less controversial and more strategic. Rather than signaling a change in hierarchy, Belmadi’s choices reflect a calculated effort to strengthen the squad as a whole. As the AFCON finals approach, such decisions could prove crucial in ensuring Algeria arrives with a well-rounded, competitive, and fully prepared team.
