Benbouali scores for Pyramids before injury derails Algeria hopes

Nadhir Benbouali’s hopes of returning to the Algeria squad have suffered a setback after the Pyramids striker scored and then went off injured against Al-Merrikh Bentiu on Saturday.

The 26-year-old came on in the 66th minute in the second preliminary round of the African Champions League and put Pyramids 3-0 ahead five minutes later. However, he was forced off with a suspected hamstring tear around the 77th minute.

Pyramids had already used all their substitutes and finished the match with 10 players, although they secured a 4-0 victory.

The initial diagnosis from the club’s medical team is a hamstring injury. Further tests are required to establish the full extent of the problem and how long Benbouali will be unavailable.

No return date has been set, but his involvement in Algeria’s November gathering now appears highly unlikely. If confirmed, this would be his third injury since he moved to Egypt approximately 70 days ago.

The timing is particularly unfortunate because Benbouali had begun to show why Pyramids had signed him. He was injured before leaving Gyor and then suffered another problem after playing only 27 minutes on his debut against El Gouna.

That meant he missed Algeria’s first international gathering of the season. However, three goals in four recent appearances suggested he had put that difficult period behind him. His goal against Al-Merrikh was expected to underline his progress, but the latest injury could instead lead to another spell on the sidelines.

The setback also complicates Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani’s plans. The national team is still looking for a consistent centre-forward, and Hemdani could have considered recalling Benbouali after his promising contribution at the World Cup, where he scored an important goal against Jordan.

Benbouali’s decision to leave Europe for Egypt had prompted questions, but Monsef Bakrar’s presence at Al-Ahly shows that playing in the Egyptian league does not automatically end a player’s international prospects.

Benbouali also offers a different option in attack. His physical presence, ability to hold the ball up and movement in the penalty area give him a profile similar to Baghdad Bounedjah.

With Bakrar yet to fully convince and Amin Chiakha still needing to prove he can perform at international level, Benbouali’s recent form had made him a credible candidate for selection. His goals had the potential to alter the attacking options before the double-header against Togo.

Even if the injury proves less serious than first feared, the schedule presents another obstacle. Benbouali will need to recover, regain match fitness and show he can play regularly before he can realistically be considered.

His qualities address an obvious need for Algeria, but his fitness has once again become an issue just as an opportunity appeared to be opening.