Algeria: Four contenders emerge to replace suspended Rafik Belghali

Brahim Hemdani will have to choose a replacement for Rafik Belghali when Algeria begin their next international campaign, with several right back options competing for a place in the squad.

Hemdani is expected to announce his first Algeria squad in the coming days, with the new coach facing an immediate selection decision on the right side of his defence.

Belghali will miss the upcoming international break after being suspended by CAF following the incidents that occurred after Algeria’s 2025 AFCON quarter final against Nigeria.

His absence leaves Hemdani with several alternatives, including players who are already getting regular minutes at club level.

Mohamed Azzi has made a strong case through his match fitness. The new CSKA Moscow player has featured in six Russian league matches this season, accumulating 460 minutes.

Rafik Messali is another option for the new Algeria coach. The Toulouse defender has made four Ligue 1 appearances so far, playing 175 minutes. However, neither Azzi nor Messali has registered a decisive contribution during the current campaign.

Hemdani could also turn to Akim Zedadka, who brings greater experience to the position. The defender is continuing his career with Sabah in Azerbaijan and has already played nine matches and 777 minutes in the Champions League, providing one assist.

Zedadka also started against Manchester United at Old Trafford and played around 75 minutes in that match.

However, one of the strongest candidates appears to be Kévin Guitoun, whose recent form has made his case difficult to overlook.

The Charleroi full back has scored two goals and supplied two assists in six matches this season. He was also voted the Belgian league’s player of the month for August and was named man of the match again in his most recent appearance.

Guitoun’s performances have therefore placed him firmly in contention for a return to the Algeria squad as Hemdani prepares to name his first group of players.

There are also two other names to consider in Redz Halaimia and Mohamed Reda Hamidi. However, both defenders have only recently returned to training with their respective clubs. Halaimia has also been operating mainly as a central defender.

Hemdani will soon have to make his decision as Algeria prepare for a busy period.

The Greens will face Zambia on 25 September and Burundi on 29 September in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers before playing Niger in a friendly on 6 October at the Aït and Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou.

With Belghali unavailable, the upcoming squad announcement will reveal which of the available right backs has done enough to earn Hemdani’s trust.