Coach Brahim Hemdani names first Algeria squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Brahim Hemdani has announced his first squad as head coach of Algeria ahead of the opening two matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Algerian manager unveiled his 26-man squad on Thursday, September 17, during a press conference held at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Fennecs.

Hemdani has selected a squad comprising three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and eight forwards for the upcoming international window.

The 26 players will begin Algeria’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Fennecs set to play two qualifying matches before rounding off the international break with a friendly.

Algeria will open their qualifying campaign at home against Zambia on September 25 at the Hocine-Aït-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou.

Hemdani and his players will then travel to Burundi for their second qualifying fixture on September 29, with the new coach hoping to guide his side to a strong start in the race for qualification.

The Fennecs will remain in action in October, as they are scheduled to face Niger in an international friendly on October 6 at the Hocine-Aït-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou.

The friendly will provide Hemdani with another opportunity to assess his players and continue preparations following the opening two qualifiers.

Hemdani will now turn his attention to the opening fixture against Zambia, where Algeria will be looking to make a positive start in front of their home supporters.

The encounter in Tizi Ouzou will be followed by the trip to Burundi four days later, giving the new Algeria coach an early test of his squad in competitive action.

With a further friendly against Niger scheduled for October 6, Hemdani has an opportunity to assess his options across all areas of the team as he begins his tenure and oversees Algeria’s push for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Algeria squad for qualifiers:

Goalkeepers

Melvin Mastil

Abdellatif Ramdane

Kylian Belazzoug

Defenders

Achraf Abada

Rayan Ait Nouri

Zinedine Belaid

Ramy Bensebaini

Samir Chergui

Jaouen Hadjam

Sohaib Nair

Saadi Radouani

Ahmed Touba

Midfielders

Himad Abdelli

Adil Aouchiche

Nabil Bentaleb

Fares Chaibi

Ibrahim Maza

Adem Zorgane

Forwards

Mohamed Amine Amoura

Moncef Bakrar

Bachir Belloumi

Adil Boulbina

Amin Chiakha

Amine Gouiri

Anis Hadj Moussa

Ilan Kebbal