Algeria v Niger: Match time, TV channel and key team news

Algeria face Niger in their third and final match of the international break on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 French time and 18:00 in Algeria.

The friendly will be played at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou, where attendance could be limited. No broadcaster has been announced in France, while viewers in Algeria can watch the game on ENTV (terrestrial channel), Canal Algerie and TV6.

The match comes after Algeria’s opening two fixtures in qualifying for CAN 2027. The Fennecs beat Zambia 3-1 in Tizi-Ouzou on 25 September before drawing 2-2 with Burundi in Bujumbura four days later.

Brahim Hemdani’s side are looking to end the first gathering of his tenure with a stronger performance, having produced mixed displays in their previous two matches. A particular focus will be on making a better start after Algeria fell 2-0 behind Burundi inside the opening 12 minutes.

The Algeria manager will have to cope with several absences. Rayan Ait-Nouri is suspended, while Nabil Bentaleb, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa and Adem Zorgane are unavailable because of injuries.

Those absences could give Hemdani the opportunity to test different options and hand playing time to players who have not featured during the current international window.

Sohaib Nair, Zineddine Belaid, Abdelatif Ramdane and new arrival Adil Bourabaa could all be given the chance to demonstrate their ability. Monsef Bakrar, who has returned to the squad, may also be involved in a match carrying particular importance for him.

Himad Abdelli and Samir Chergui had been doubts earlier in the week but have since trained normally with the group and are available for selection. Ramy Bensebaini, who was the subject of false reports claiming he had withdrawn, is also fit to play.

Algeria have won their past seven meetings with Niger. Their most recent victory against the Mena came on 27 March 2023, when they won 1-0 in Rades, Tunisia, in qualifying for CAN 2023.

Tuesday’s fixture therefore gives Hemdani’s team the chance to finish the break with another win over familiar opponents, while also allowing several squad members to compete for a more prominent role.