Hemdani faces early Algeria selection tensions after Ait-Nouri incident

Brahim Hemdani has been forced to address an early dressing-room issue after Rayan Ait-Nouri reportedly refused to resume his warm-up during Algeria’s 3-1 win over Zambia.

Ait-Nouri was left on the bench as new manager Hemdani made the significant decision to start Jaouen Hadjam at left-back. The call was immediately rewarded when the Brighton player scored Algeria’s opening goal in the second minute.

Television images before kick-off appeared to show Ait-Nouri visibly unhappy, with the Manchester City player seen speaking to Ahmed Touba. The situation is reported to have become more tense after half-time.

According to several Algerian media outlets, Ait-Nouri was initially sent out to warm up. However, after Zambia equalised, the coaching staff changed their plans and asked him to wait. Once Algeria regained the lead through Ibrahim Maza, Hemdani reportedly wanted Ait-Nouri to prepare for a possible introduction once again.

Ait-Nouri is said to have refused to return to the warm-up area despite attempts by members of the staff and coaching team to intervene. He ultimately remained on the bench for the rest of the match.

Asked about the incident after the final whistle, Hemdani declined to discuss the player specifically but stressed the importance of collective discipline.

“I don’t want to talk about an individual case. Our mission here is to serve the national team and defend its interests, nothing else,” he said.

“If an abnormal situation were to arise, whether at club or international level, we would take the necessary measures. In this particular case, there is nothing to say on the matter.”

A player’s disappointment at not being selected to start is understandable, but managing such emotions will be an important part of Hemdani’s task as he establishes his authority and creates a new hierarchy at the beginning of his tenure.

Hadjam’s challenge to Ait-Nouri’s position is also supported by his performance against Zambia. While Ait-Nouri has played only 105 minutes for Manchester City this season, Hadjam took his opportunity by scoring and producing a convincing display.

Ait-Nouri’s recent performances for Algeria have not fully removed doubts either. He was described as below his best at the last CAN and was also disappointing when given a starting opportunity during the 2026 World Cup.

Hemdani must also manage frustration elsewhere in the squad. Mohamed Amoura provided two assists against Zambia but failed to score, appeared unhappy when substituted in the 70th minute and finished the match in tears after also being subjected to some booing.

The two incidents are different, but both underline the new manager’s responsibility to manage emotions and individual disappointment without allowing them to damage the team.

Algeria travel to Burundi on Tuesday for their second match in the CAN 2027 qualifiers. For Ait-Nouri, the clearest response will now have to come on the pitch as he attempts to convince Hemdani that he deserves to return to the starting XI.