Algeria’s right-back choice comes under scrutiny after Saadi Radouani call-up

Saadi Radouani’s inclusion in Algeria’s 26-man squad has raised questions over Brahim Hemdani’s choice at right-back, with the USM Alger captain selected despite several other options being available.

The right-back position was one of the areas expected to receive attention after Algeria announced their squad for the September international break.

Rafik Belghali is unavailable for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after receiving a four-match suspension, two of which are firm, following incidents after the quarter-final against Nigeria at the last AFCON.

Luca Zidane is also serving the same suspension and will miss the opening matches this month.

With Belghali unavailable, Algeria were expected to introduce a new option at right-back or recall a player who was not part of the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

During the World Cup, Torino player Belghali was the only natural right-back selected by Vladimir Petkovic. The coach instead used Samir Chergui and Achraf Abada, both right-footed central defenders, as alternatives.

Jaouen Hadjam, who is left-footed but had previously played at right-back, was another option, while Aïssa Mandi was considered a possible emergency choice.

Mehdi Dorval, who can operate on both feet, was ultimately left out of the squad.

Before Hemdani announced his squad, four potential replacements for Belghali had been identified. Three of those players had started the season in strong form.

Kevin Guitoun, 30, has nine Algeria caps since making his international debut in 2023. He was regularly selected by former coach Djamel Belmadi before being left out by Petkovic.

Guitoun has impressed for Charleroi at the start of the campaign, scoring two goals and providing two assists in six matches.

Akim Zedadka, 31, was another option. He was selected by Algeria in 2022 and is currently involved in the final stages of the European Champions League with Sabah.

Mohamed Azzi, 24, was also considered. The defender has never been called up to the senior Algeria team but joined CSKA Moscow during the summer and has shown promise since his move.

Instead, the new technical staff opted for Radouani.

The 31-year-old has one Algeria appearance, which came in 2024, and brings considerable African club experience. He has played 54 matches at continental level and has won three continental titles.

His selection has led to speculation over whether the decision was influenced by Anthar Yahia, who signed Radouani for USM Alger in 2020 while serving as the club’s sporting director.

Radouani offers defensive strength and can also contribute from the right flank, particularly with his ability to deliver crosses.

However, his experience with the national team has been limited. He was an unused substitute during the 2023 and 2025 CHAN tournaments under Madjid Bougherra, who preferred Mokhtar Belkhiter and Reda Halaimia.

Hemdani’s decision therefore represents a choice based largely on experience and caution, while the omission of younger option Azzi has added another talking point around the right-back position.

The Algeria coach will now have to decide how to use Radouani as the team prepares for its opening 2027 AFCON qualifying matches.