Hemdani faces Algeria scrutiny as Niger friendly offers chance to respond

Brahim Hemdani will not face the media before Algeria’s friendly against Niger on Tuesday, meaning the national team coach will not be required to explain the 2-2 draw with Burundi in the build-up to the match in Tizi Ouzou.

Neither a press conference with Hemdani nor a mixed-zone session with Algeria’s players has been scheduled before the fixture. The decision is partly explained by the unofficial status of the game, as the Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF) is not subject to the same media obligations that apply to matches organised under the authority of CAF or FIFA.

The previous two matches during this international gathering had included several opportunities for players and staff to speak publicly. The decision to avoid media duties before Niger therefore comes at a time when Hemdani is already facing his first questions as Algeria coach.

Algeria struggled in Bujumbura, conceding twice in the opening 12 minutes before recovering to draw 2-2. Defensive weaknesses, some of Hemdani’s decisions and his broadly satisfied assessment after the match have all contributed to the criticism that followed.

One issue he might have been asked to address is the balance of the midfield. Without a recognised holding midfielder, Algeria left significant space between the lines against Burundi. Himad Abdelli and Fares Chaibi were given responsibilities that do not entirely match their natural strengths.

Avoiding the media allows Hemdani to keep attention within the squad and devote the final hours before the match to tactical work. However, it also removes an opportunity for him to explain his decisions and respond directly to the concerns raised after the Burundi performance.

There are mitigating circumstances for the new coach. Algeria are without Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa, Adem Zorgane and Saadi Radouani, who have all withdrawn from the squad. As the match is a friendly, a number of changes are also expected to give playing time to members of the squad who have featured less often.

Even with a reshuffled side, Algeria will start as favourites against Niger and will be expected to show greater control than they did in Burundi.

Niger are now coached by Nabil Neghiz, who previously worked as an assistant to Vladimir Petkovic. Neghiz knows much of the Algeria squad, as well as the tactical habits of several players he worked with recently.

Failing to beat a former member of the previous coaching staff at home would represent an unwelcome signal for Hemdani. Even a narrow victory, if it is not accompanied by a clear improvement in performance, may not settle all the doubts surrounding his plans.

Initially viewed as a possible interim solution before being confirmed as coach of the Fennecs, Hemdani knows each match will help define his project. The victory over Zambia provided an encouraging first indication, while the Burundi draw highlighted how much work remains.

The Niger match, which begins at 18:00, will conclude a first gathering that is too short for definitive conclusions but long enough to offer the beginnings of a direction. Hemdani will not speak before kick-off; his team will have to provide the response on the pitch.