Algeria suffer double injury blow as Anis Hadj Moussa and Ibrahim Maza miss Togo return clash

Algeria have suffered a major setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying return fixture against Togo, with Anis Hadj Moussa and Ibrahim Maza ruled out through injury.

The two players will miss the fourth matchday encounter scheduled for November 17 after picking up ankle sprains during Algeria’s 1-0 victory over the Sparrowhawks on Saturday, November 14.

Both players were involved in the third matchday contest but failed to come through the encounter unscathed. Medical examinations conducted after the match confirmed the extent of their injuries, with the results ruling them out of the upcoming trip to Togo.

Their unavailability is a considerable blow to the Algerian national team, who had hoped to build on their narrow victory and maintain their positive momentum in the qualifying campaign.

Hadj Moussa and Maza are among the players Algeria would have wanted available for the return fixture, particularly as the team prepares for another potentially difficult meeting against a Togo side eager to respond after losing the first encounter.

The timing of the injuries is also far from ideal, as their absence adds to an already lengthy list of unavailable players. This leaves the technical team with additional selection concerns and the task of reshaping its plans ahead of the crucial encounter.

The Algerian coaching staff will now have to consider alternative options to compensate for the missing duo, with other players expected to step up and take advantage of the opportunity to feature.

Despite the injury concerns, Algeria will travel to Togo with confidence following their first-leg triumph. The Fennecs will be keen to reproduce that performance and secure another important result as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

However, the absence of Hadj Moussa and Maza means Algeria must find a way to cope without two of their available options as they seek to maintain their winning run against the Sparrowhawks.