Algeria: Brahim Hemdani set to name 30-man squad for new era

Brahim Hemdani is expected to select a 30-player Algeria squad for his first international camp, with several returning players and new faces set to reshape the team after the departure of Vladimir Petkovic.

The squad, prepared with Antar Yahia, is expected to be announced around 20 September. Algeria will face Zambia on 25 September, Burundi four days later and Niger in a friendly on 6 October, making it a longer-than-usual training camp.

The international retirements of Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi have brought an end to the careers of two members of Algeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations-winning side. The pair are expected to be invited by the Algerian Football Federation for a farewell tribute, but will not feature in the squad.

Ramy Bensebaini is the leading candidate to succeed Mahrez as captain. The new coach is known for demanding high standards from his players and is expected to make significant changes across the team.

Goalkeepers and defence

Luca Zidane must still serve the suspension imposed after the incidents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His absence is expected to give Melvin Mastil, Kilian Bellazoug and Abdelatif Ramdane an opportunity, while Oussama Benbot is not thought to be part of Hemdani’s plans.

Mastil has established himself quickly since returning from a loan spell at Lausanne-Sport. Benbot offers greater international experience, while Ramdane remains a credible option after his performances for MC Alger.

Expected goalkeepers: Kilian Bellazoug, Melvin Mastil, Abdelatif Ramdane.

Aissa Mandi’s retirement and Rafik Belghali’s suspension will also force changes in defence. Bensebaini is expected to become the central defensive leader, with the captaincy reflecting his importance. Samir Chergui and Zineddine Belaid provide continuity.

Ahmed Touba has made an encouraging start at Le Havre, while Sohaib Nair has impressed with Saint-Etienne. Abdelnour Soualhia, a 1.94m left-footed centre-back, is also in contention after scoring and providing an assist for Telstar in Eredivisie this season.

Rayan Ait-Nouri remains the preferred left-back, with Jaouen Hadjam expected to be included despite limited playing time since moving to Brighton. Kevin Guitoun (Van Den Kerkhof) strengthened his case with two goals and an assist in August and was named Belgium’s player of the month. Mohamed Azzi, recently transferred to CSKA Moscow, could benefit from Belghali’s suspension.

Expected defenders: Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Jaouen Hadjam, Samir Chergui, Ahmed Touba, Zineddine Belaid, Sohaib Nair, Abdelnour Soualhia, Kevin Guitoun (Van Den Kerkhof), Mohamed Azzi.

Midfield changes

Nabil Bentaleb is expected to miss the camp after suffering a recent injury scare with Lille, while Ramiz Zerrouki appears to have fallen down the midfield pecking order. Hicham Boudaoui, Ibrahim Maza, Houssem Aouar and Fares Chaibi are expected to retain their places.

Yacine Titraoui is one of the principal figures of the next cycle, although he is recovering from a thigh injury sustained with Lens. The length of the camp could allow him to be selected, with his workload managed during its early stages.

Himad Abdelli has regained his place and playing time at Marseille after a difficult period, having previously been advised by Hemdani to remain patient. Adem Zorgane remains a regular performer for Union Saint-Gilloise, while Adil Aouchiche has scored his first Bundesliga goal for Schalke 04. Adil Bourabaa has contributed four goals or assists in the opening four Ligue 1 matches, including two goals.

Expected midfielders: Hicham Boudaoui, Ibrahim Maza, Houssem Aouar, Fares Chaibi, Yacine Titraoui, Himad Abdelli, Adem Zorgane, Adil Bourabaa, Adil Aouchiche.

Competition for attacking places

Mohamed Amoura and Amine Gouiri are expected to remain the main attacking options, with Adil Boulbina providing another choice on the left. The competition to succeed Mahrez will be concentrated on the right.

Anis Hadj Moussa and Ilan Kebbal are both contenders, while Mohamed Bachir Belloumi has made a strong case after scoring twice against Chelsea for Hull City. His pace, direct running and ability to move inside make him a credible replacement for Mahrez.

Amin Chiakha can no longer be overlooked after scoring 12 goals to lead the Norwegian scoring charts with Rosenborg. His selection would give Hemdani a traditional centre-forward option distinct from Gouiri and Amoura.

Ben Ahmed Kohili is another possibility after scoring five goals and providing an assist as Algeria won the Mediterranean Games. Hemdani knows the MC Alger forward’s ability, attitude and performances in important matches, and Kohili could now follow him into the senior national team after making his first start for the club.

Baghdad Bounedjah, Yacine Brahimi and Youcef Belaili may have been included in an extended list, but their ages make a return unlikely, while Brahimi has ruled out the possibility himself. Nadhir Benbouali and Fares Ghedjemis, who were involved at the World Cup, could also lose out because of the emergence of Chiakha, Belloumi and Kohili.

Expected forwards: Mohamed Amoura, Ilan Kebbal, Amine Gouiri, Adil Boulbina, Anis Hadj Moussa, Mohamed Bachir Belloumi, Amin Chiakha, Ben Ahmed Kohili.