Adem Zorgane became the first Algerian international to feature in official competition for the 2025–26 campaign, taking part in Union Saint-Gilloise’s Belgian Super Cup defeat to Club Bruges last Sunday.
Zorgane, who joined Union SG during the summer, made his debut at the Marien Stadium in Brussels, coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes.
Despite a spirited showing, he was unable to alter the outcome, as Bruges emerged with a 2-1 victory to claim the season’s first silverware.
Union SG, who clinched the Belgian league title last season, faced off against Cup holders Club Bruges in a highly anticipated curtain-raiser.
The capital side struck first through Ivanović just 15 minutes in, only for Bruges to equalise from the penalty spot before half-time.
In stoppage time of the opening period, Hans Vanaken put Bruges ahead from a corner, a lead they successfully defended through the second half.
Zorgane, alongside fellow new recruit Raul Florucz, was introduced after the break.
The club’s official match report noted the midfielder’s “good impression” despite the defeat, praising his composure and contribution in the yellow and blue of his new club.
Zorgane will again be in action on Friday night as Union SG open their Pro League title defence with a trip to Royal Antwerp.
Kick-off is set for 19:45 GMT, with the 24-year-old poised to make his full league debut.
Following him into early-season action is compatriot Jaouen Hadjam, who will get his Swiss Super League campaign underway with Young Boys Bern.
The left-back is expected to start on Saturday in a high-profile clash against last season’s runners-up, Servette Geneva, at the Wankdorf Stadium.
This campaign holds particular significance for Hadjam, with Algeria preparing for both the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (20 December 2025 – 18 January 2026) and the FIFA World Cup in the summer of 2026.
The 21-year-old will aim to justify his place in Vladimir Petkovic’s plans and mount a strong challenge to Rayan Aït-Nouri’s hold on the starting left-back position for the national team.
Young Boys, who finished third last term behind champions FC Basel and Servette, will be eager to start strong in a season packed with domestic and international stakes.
Meanwhile, Yassine Titraoui is set to join the fray on Sunday as Sporting Charleroi visit Oud-Heverlee Leuven at 12:30 GMT, rounding off a busy opening weekend for Algeria’s European-based players.
