Algeria forced into defensive reshuffle for Togo qualifiers

Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani must rethink several positions after six players withdrew from his squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Togo.

The two sides meet for the third and fourth matchdays, with Algeria’s first game scheduled for Saturday in Tizi-Ouzou. Hemdani’s revised squad leaves him with difficult decisions to make, particularly in goal and at full-back.

Luca Zidane is not favoured by the manager, leaving Melvin Mastil as the likely starter despite his underwhelming performances during the previous international break. Oussama Benbot and Rayane Yesli, who was called up after Abdelatif Ramdane’s withdrawal, are the other goalkeeping options.

The biggest uncertainty is likely to come in the wide defensive positions. Rafik Belghali is unavailable on the right, while Jaouen Hadjam has withdrawn on the left. Rayan Ait-Nouri, previously the first choice in that position, is also out of the squad.

There are several possible replacements, but none has established a clear claim. Mohamed Azzi of CSKA Moscow has received his first call-up, while Sohaib Nair played at right-back in the friendly against Niger without making a decisive impression either way.

Achraf Abada is generally more comfortable in central defence, and Saadi Radouani struggled after starting twice last month. Radouani, who won the Supercoupe d’Afrique with USMA, was recalled at the last minute following Belghali’s withdrawal.

On the other side, Ramy Bensebaini is among the possibilities, although the Borussia Dortmund player may no longer have the pace required for the role. He is expected to remain in central defence, potentially alongside Zinedine Belaid, Abada or Nair. Samir Chergui is absent through injury.

Ahmed Touba could provide another solution on the left. Although he now plays mainly in central defence, he has operated as a left-back for Algeria in the past.

Hemdani has only one specialist left-back in his reshaped squad: Fahem Benaissa-Yahia of Mantova/Serie B, who was called up for the first time after Hadjam pulled out. Another newcomer, Abderrahmane Rebbach, sometimes plays as a wing-back for his club and could also be considered. Radouani and Azzi have played on the left before, although only occasionally.

More options in midfield and attack

Midfield offers Hemdani greater depth despite Hicham Boudaoui’s withdrawal. One possible three-man combination would feature Nabil Bentaleb and Fares Chaibi as a double pivot, with Ibrahim Maza operating further forward as the playmaker. Himad Abdelli, Yacine Titraoui and Adem Zorgane also remain in contention.

The withdrawals of in-form forward Bachir Belloumi and Amin Chiakha have not been directly replaced, but Algeria still have cover in every attacking position.

Anis Hadj Moussa appears to be ahead of Fares Ghedjemis on the right. Amine Gouiri is likely to lead the line, with Monsef Bakrar his only direct alternative. Mohamed Amoura is the probable starter on the left, with Adil Boulbina and the versatile Rebbach also available.

Amoura could fill in centrally if required, although he is not a specialist centre-forward.