Algeria goalkeeper race remains open as Benbot, Mastil and Yesli compete for the number one spot

Oussama Benbot’s performance in the CAF Super Cup has put him in contention to start Algeria’s forthcoming matches against Togo, but no goalkeeper has yet established himself as the clear first choice under manager Brahim Hemdani.

Benbot, Melvin Mastil and Abdelatif Ramdane were named in Hemdani’s initial squad. Ramdane subsequently withdrew following the death of his father, leading to a first call-up for Rayane Yesli and another change in an unsettled position.

Since the end of Rais M’Bolhi’s time as Algeria’s established goalkeeper, several players have been given opportunities without securing the position for the long term. Alexis Guendouz had a spell in the side, while Luca Zidane was also tried. Mastil and Ramdane were introduced before Benbot returned after missing Hemdani’s first squad.

The 32-year-old Benbot currently has the strongest momentum. The USM Alger goalkeeper had already been recalled before the final and then produced an influential display as his club defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in the CAF Super Cup. Several important saves in South Africa could earn him the starting role against Togo.

However, questions remain over his consistency. During the 3-3 draw with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, Benbot conceded from all three of the opposition’s shots on target and was judged to have misread the opening goal. His performance in the CAF Super Cup has nevertheless made him the leading short-term candidate.

Mastil offers continuity after being selected and used during the previous international break. The Lausanne goalkeeper now has four caps, although none of his appearances has settled the argument over Algeria’s number one.

His continued inclusion indicates that Hemdani intends to give him more time. The manager has said he wants a goalkeeper to earn the position through performances for both club and country.

“Finding a number one, a number two and a number three is also a strategy. We are still in that process,” Hemdani said at a news conference. He added that he had selected the goalkeepers with the most playing time and the best form since the previous camp.

Ramdane’s withdrawal might have created an opportunity for Luca Zidane to return, but Hemdani instead chose Yesli. The decision confirms that the omission of the Leganes goalkeeper was based on sporting considerations. His playing time at club level has fallen, while his early appearances for Algeria did not make him an obvious choice.

Yesli has no senior international experience, but arrives after keeping four clean sheets in seven league matches for Olympique Akbou. His specialist coach, Hichem Mezair, who won 30 caps for Algeria, has highlighted the goalkeeper’s physical presence and his ability to intervene outside his penalty area.

Benbot has the advantage of recent success, Mastil brings continuity and Yesli is the unknown quantity. Whoever plays will need time and patience. “If he misses a cross or has a bad match, he must not be condemned,” Mezair said. Without that continuity, Algeria’s goalkeeping debate is unlikely to be resolved.