Algeria’s national team coach, Djamel Belmadi, has announced a 26-man squad for an important double-header in March, including the final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Gambia and an international friendly against Tunisia. The qualifying clash will take place on Friday, March 22, 2019, at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, while the friendly against Tunisia is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, also in Blida.
The squad list, officially published on March 16, includes four newcomers making their debut for the Algerian national team. They are Victor Lekhal (Le Havre, France), Haithem Loucif (Paradou AC), Hichem Boudaoui (Paradou AC), and Ligue 1’s current top scorer, Zakaria Naidji (Paradou AC). Their inclusion reflects Belmadi’s intent to broaden the squad and integrate fresh talent ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Notable absences include Yacine Brahimi of FC Porto, who was surprisingly left out despite a strong season and recent Champions League success. Injuries and other circumstances also affect the selection: goalkeeper Rais M’bolhi (Al-Ittifaq, Saudi Arabia) was injured on Friday, Nabil Bentaleb (Schalke 04), and Islam Slimani (Fenerbahçe) will also be unavailable. In positive news, Said Benrahma of Brentford returns to the national team after a four-year absence, adding depth and attacking options to Belmadi’s roster.
Algeria has already secured qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt (June 21 – July 19) following their 4-1 victory over Togo in Lomé on November 18, 2018. While the team has a guaranteed place in the tournament, Belmadi is using the upcoming matches to test new players, reinforce squad cohesion, and maintain competitive sharpness.
The squad is structured with a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Goalkeepers include Moustapha Zaghba, Azzedine Doukha, and Alexandre Oukidja. The defensive line features Aïssa Mandi, Ilias Hassani, Ramy Bensebaini, Rafik Halliche, Ayoub Abdellaoui, Djamel Benlamri, Youcef Atal, and Mohamed Fares. Midfielders include Mohamed Benkhemassa, Saphir Taïder, Mehdi Abeid, Ismaël Bennacer, Sofiane Feghouli, alongside the newcomers Victor Lekhal, Hichem Boudaoui, and Haithem Loucif. The attacking options comprise Adam Ounas, Riyad Mahrez, Zakaria Naidji, Mohamed Benrahma, Oussama Darfalou, Baghdad Bounedjah, and Youcef Belaili.
Belmadi’s squad selection demonstrates a careful balance between experience and youth, providing opportunities for promising talents while retaining a strong core of established internationals. With Gambia still seeking qualification and Tunisia presenting a high-profile friendly test, Algeria will be looking to maintain momentum, assess the squad’s depth, and sharpen tactical cohesion ahead of the continental tournament in Egypt
