Benaissa-Yahia handed surprise Algeria chance after Hadjam withdrawal

Fahem Benaissa-Yahia has been called up by Algeria for the first time after Jaouen Hadjam withdrew from the squad, giving the Mantova defender an unexpected opportunity to make his international debut.

The 24-year-old was not included in Brahim Hemdani’s original selection but was added ahead of Algeria’s two African Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Togo on 14 and 17 November.

Here are five things to know about the left-back.

From Reims to Portugal

Benaissa-Yahia came through the academy at Stade de Reims but never made the first-team breakthrough. He continued his development with Reims’ reserve side before moving to Lyon-La Duchere in National 2.

His 2022-23 campaign brought him wider recognition when he was voted the best left-back in Group C of France’s fourth division.

Villefranche subsequently signed him in the National, before Casa Pia gave him a sudden introduction to top-flight football in Portugal in January 2024. Within three years, he had moved from the fourth tier in France to an Algeria squad competing in continental qualifying.

A decisive goal for Mantova

Benaissa-Yahia joined Mantova on loan in January 2026, when the club were fighting to remain in Serie B.

He scored one of the most important goals of his career on 1 May, settling the match against Monza in the 95th minute with a well-executed chipped finish. Mantova won 3-2, and the result secured their survival.

The goal also helped persuade the Lombardy club to activate their purchase option with Casa Pia several weeks later. Initially signed for six months, Benaissa-Yahia became a permanent part of Mantova’s plans.

A tall, attack-minded wide player

Standing 1.88m, Benaissa-Yahia is unusually tall for a wide defender. He combines that physical presence with an attacking approach.

The left-footed player prefers operating on the left flank but has also said he can play further forward in midfield.

Mantova’s use of him as a wing-back has allowed him to make the most of his running power and his willingness to join attacks. He has scored once and provided one assist in 13 appearances this season, and in October he was named in L’Equipe’s weekend team featuring French players based abroad.

A first international experience

Unlike many dual-national players who switch to Algeria after representing France at youth level, Benaissa-Yahia has never played for a national team.

Born on 29 April 2002 in Chalons-en-Champagne, the player whose full name is Fahem Benssouna Ali Benaissa-Yahia will go straight into senior international football with Algeria.

An opening on the left

Benaissa-Yahia was initially included in Hemdani’s extended list before being called into the final group following Hadjam’s withdrawal. With Rayan Ait-Nouri also absent, the left-back position appears to be open.

Abderrahmane Rebbach can operate in the role when Algeria use a back five, but Benaissa-Yahia is the only recognised specialist left-back among the available options.

Having only just joined the Algeria squad, he could now feature for the first time or even be considered for a starting place.