Algeria suffer two more withdrawals but Brahim Hemdani calls up only one replacement for Togo

Algeria have suffered two further withdrawals before their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Togo, with Amine Chiakha and Rafik Belghali ruled out. Their absences take the number of players unavailable to head coach Brahim Hemdani during this international camp to six.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the news on Thursday evening, 48 hours before Saturday’s fourth-round qualifier against Togo. The two matches form part of the third and fourth rounds of the CAN 2027 qualification campaign.

Chiakha, who plays for Rosenborg, sustained a muscle injury to his leg during Wednesday’s training session. Medical examinations carried out the following day confirmed that the forward would not be able to take part in either match.

Belghali has been dealing with persistent knee pain which has prevented him from completing team training normally. Both players have now been released from the squad to continue their treatment.

Despite losing two players, Hemdani has selected only one replacement. Saadi Radouani, the USM Alger right-back who has just won the African Super Cup, has been added to the squad.

The latest withdrawals follow those of Jaouen Hadjam, Hicham Boudaoui and Bachir Belloumi. Goalkeeper Abdelatif Ramdane has also left the camp after being affected by the death of his father.

Three players were previously called up to cover for the earlier absences: goalkeeper Rayane Yesli of Olympique Akbou, left-back Fahem Benaissa-Yahia of Mantova and midfielder Adem Zorgane of Union Saint-Gilloise.

Hemdani’s attacking options have been particularly reduced by the unavailability of Chiakha and Belloumi. However, the coach has decided against bringing in another forward, instead relying on those already in camp.

That leaves Amine Gouiri and Monsef Bakrar as the two recognised centre-forward options. Mohamed Amine Amoura can also operate in a two-striker system, but there is no other specialist striker among the players currently available to Hemdani.

Belghali’s absence also leaves Algeria short on the right side, as was the case in September. Achraf Abada, Sohaib Nair, Mohamed Azzi and Radouani are expected to compete for the position, although the latter two can also provide cover on the left.

The left flank has been weakened as well, meaning Hemdani will have fewer alternatives in both wide areas as Algeria prepare for their two meetings with Togo.