Algeria defence faces major reshuffle after Aissa Mandi retirement

Aissa Mandi’s international retirement has left Brahim Hemdani with a significant defensive task as he prepares for his first Algeria camp, with several contenders competing for a place alongside Rami Bensebaini.

Mandi had been a constant in the Fennecs’ back line for 12 years. Even as his performances came under increasing scrutiny, he remained one of the team’s main defensive reference points. His departure means Hemdani must rebuild a partnership that had provided Algeria with prolonged continuity.

Bensebaini, the most experienced defender in the squad and a leading candidate for the captaincy, appears unlikely to lose his place. The main question is who will occupy the other central-defensive position.

Zinedine Belaid currently appears to have the strongest claim. The Al-Taawoun defender is a specialist centre-back and enhanced his reputation at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. He was among the Algeria players to benefit when Vladimir Petkovic rotated his squad during the tournament.

Belaid offers aggression, physical strength in challenges and experience of African football. He is also already familiar with Bensebaini and the wider Algeria set-up. While he cannot yet be regarded as an undisputed starter, he looks like the most immediately practical replacement for Mandi.

Samir Chergui and Sohaib Nair are also in contention.

Chergui’s versatility is one of his principal assets. He has been used at right-back by Paris FC but is capable of moving into central defence, where his ability to help build attacks could prove useful. That profile would become even more valuable if Hemdani opted for a back three.

Nair, by contrast, is a centre-back by training. He has impressed since joining Saint-Etienne from Guingamp and has already been called up by Algeria, although he has not yet had a genuine opportunity to establish himself. The current camp gives him the chance to show he can compete for more than a supporting role.

Ahmed Touba is another option after returning to the squad. Algeria supporters may chiefly remember him as a full-back, particularly for his performance against Cameroon in Blida, but he developed as a central defender. As a left-footer, however, he may be viewed primarily as cover should Bensebaini be unavailable.

Achref Abada provides a further alternative. The USM Alger defender brings a more combative style and familiarity with the demands of continental football. He may begin behind the other candidates, but the arrival of a new coach gives him an opportunity to make an impression.

Hemdani’s tactical choice could prove decisive. A three-man defence would naturally create more opportunities for Belaid, Chergui, Nair, Touba and Abada. That system had been considered for matches against stronger opponents during the World Cup.

It appears less obvious against Zambia, Burundi or Niger, when Algeria are expected to have more possession. Those games should therefore offer the first indication of Hemdani’s preferred approach.

Replacing Mandi will involve more than selecting one new name. Algeria must rebuild its defensive understanding and find a player capable of forming a lasting partnership with Bensebaini. Belaid currently holds the advantage, but the coming matches will show whether it is enough.