Algeria may change goalkeeper options after Ramdane family bereavement

Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani could be forced to alter his goalkeeper selection after Abdelatif Ramdane’s father died, the Federation algerienne de football (FAF) has announced.

The Algeria squad begins its November training camp on Monday ahead of two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Togo, scheduled for 14 and 17 November.

The FAF confirmed the death in a statement on Sunday, placing Ramdane’s participation in the upcoming matches in serious doubt.

The 25-year-old Lausanne-Sport goalkeeper had been selected for the second consecutive time and was expected to serve as Algeria’s third-choice goalkeeper. He was behind Oussama Benbot and Melvin Mastil in Hemdani’s initial plans.

Benbot recently helped USM Alger win the African Super Cup, while Mastil was listed ahead of Ramdane in the goalkeeper order for the Togo fixtures.

Given the circumstances, Ramdane is likely to be excused from the squad’s next two matches so he can attend his father’s funeral and remain with his family.

His possible absence could lead Hemdani’s staff to make a change to the goalkeeping department before the camp gets under way. Luca Zidane, who was left out of the original squad, could therefore return to the Algeria selection.

Alexis Guendouz and Alexandre Oukidja are also potential alternatives. Both goalkeepers had been considered for inclusion before ultimately being omitted from the list announced by Hemdani.

Another option could be Kilian Belazzoug, although he is currently with the Algeria U23 selection and receiving treatment from that squad’s medical staff.

The decision on Ramdane’s replacement has not been confirmed, but the goalkeeper’s family bereavement has opened the possibility of a late adjustment to Algeria’s plans for the two qualifying matches.

Hemdani’s side will face Togo twice during the international gathering, with the fixtures representing the third and fourth rounds of qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027. 一级a做爰片