Algeria consider Champions League standout Akim Zedadka for next squad

Akim Zedadka could be recalled by Algeria after his performance for Sabah FK in Tuesday’s Champions League action caught the attention of head coach Brahim Hemdani.

The 31-year-old right-back made a decisive contribution at the Baku Olympic Stadium, clearing the ball off the line as Sabah FK secured a 2-0 home victory over Slavia Prague without conceding.

According to journalist Ait Kaci Ali and the website La Gazette du Fennec, Hemdani and his coaching staff are monitoring Zedadka ahead of Algeria’s next two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches.

The Fennecs are due to play on 14 November in Tizi-Ouzou before travelling to Lome to face Togo on 17 November.

Zedadka has won just one cap for Algeria. His only appearance came on 12 June 2022, when he played in a friendly against Iran, a match Algeria lost 2-1 under then-manager Djamel Belmadi.

He has not been selected since September of that year and was overlooked by former Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic.

A return to the squad would give the former Lille player another opportunity to challenge for a place in the national team. He could join a group that is also expected to include potential returning players such as Ismael Bennacer, Baghdad Bounedjah, Yacine Titraoui, Hicham Boudaoui and Houssem Aouar.

Zedadka’s possible selection could also affect the competition for the right-back positions. He may replace Saadi Radouani in the squad and compete with Kevin Guitoun, Rafik Messali and Mohamed Azzi, with Rafik Belghali expected to return to the flank after completing his suspension.

The defender has been a regular for Sabah FK this season. He has made 12 appearances, starting all 12 matches, and has provided one assist.

His latest display, particularly the goal-saving intervention against Slavia Prague, has now brought him back into consideration as Hemdani prepares to name Algeria’s squad for the November qualifiers.