Algeria call up Rennes’ Kilian Belazzoug for crucial U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Algeria have announced a 24-man squad for their second-round U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Eswatini.

Rafik Saifi’s side will play the first match in Lobamba on 11 November before hosting the return fixture at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers on 16 November. The competition also serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Rennes forward Kilian Belazzoug has received his first Algeria Under-23 call-up after being overlooked amid competition for places in the senior team. He will now continue his development with the country’s younger age group.

The squad also includes Kail Boudache of OL and Kelyann Bezahaf of OM. Yanis Senhadji of Real Jaen, Gaetan Bakhouche of Toulouse and Karim Boutera of Degerfors have also been selected after joining up with the group during the previous international camp.

Injuries rule out Ouzenadji and Bourabaa

Anis Ouzenadji of Troyes and Adil Bourabaa of Le Mans have both been left out because of injury.

According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, Algeria’s coaching staff have decided not to take any risks with Ouzenadji. The midfielder only returned to training this week after suffering knee and ankle sprains during his Algeria debut in early October.

Bourabaa was also injured during the last international window, although his problem occurred while he was with the senior national team, for whom he won his first cap. He is continuing his recovery after undergoing surgery above the ankle, with his return expected in January 2027.

Algeria are seeking to qualify for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2015. They missed the past two editions, held in Egypt in 2019 and Morocco in 2023.