Algeria consider recalls for Bounedjah, Belaili and Brahimi under Hemdani

Brahim Hemdani could reopen the door to three experienced Algeria internationals after including Baghdad Bounedjah, Youcef Belaili and Yacine Brahimi in his provisional squad for the forthcoming matches against Zambia and Burundi.

The fixtures are part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. However, their inclusion in the extended list does not guarantee that any of the three will be selected for the September training camp.

According to El Hayat, all three names appear on Hemdani’s initial shortlist. Journalist Imad Mostefai reports that two of them are unlikely to be included in the final squad, which is expected to be announced before 20 September.

Bounedjah’s reported inclusion is significant. The 34-year-old, who scored the winning goal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final, was among the players to lose out during the final months of Vladimir Petkovic’s time in charge.

He was a substitute during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and was reportedly unhappy with his reduced role. His visible frustration is said to have displeased Petkovic, who subsequently left him out of the 2026 World Cup squad.

Petkovic was concerned that Bounedjah’s difficulty in adapting to his new status could affect the balance within the group.

Hemdani’s decision to consider him again would represent a fresh start. Bounedjah still offers Algeria a distinctive option in attack, with his strength, ability to play with his back to goal and qualities as a focal point. Those attributes have at times been missing from the national side.

The other two potential recalls would be even more notable.

Brahimi, 36, remains captain and a regular starter for Al-Gharafa in Qatar. A leading figure for Algeria during the 2010s, he has not played for the senior national team since June 2024, when he featured against Guinea, excluding his involvement in the Arab Cup. His appearances for Algeria have also been sporadic since 2020.

A return would carry a strong generational significance. Brahimi made his Algeria debut in 2013, only a few months after Anthar Yahia won his final cap. Yahia is now serving as Hemdani’s assistant.

Belaili, 34, is also understood to have been considered. The Esperance de Tunis winger scored last weekend but missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup because of injury. His ability is widely recognised, although his temperament and age make his selection a more complicated decision.

El Hayat’s report lists Bounedjah, Belaili and Brahimi among the provisional selections, while Mostefai says Belaili and Brahimi will not take part in the September camp.

Bounedjah therefore appears to have the clearest chance of returning. Amine Chiakha and Mohamed Bachir Belloumi are also reportedly included in the extended list.

The final decision will come before 20 September, when the first definitive squad of Hemdani’s new era is announced.