Baghdad Bounedjah’s Algeria comeback hopes suffer fresh blow despite Al-Hilal heroics

Baghdad Bounedjah’s impressive scoring form has failed to bring him closer to an Algeria return, with the Al-Shamal striker reportedly left out of coach Brahim Hemdani’s expanded squad list for November’s international camp despite his latest heroics in the AFC Champions League.

The 34-year-old found the net in Al-Shamal’s remarkable 3-1 victory over Al-Hilal on Tuesday, but his performance appears to have done little to change his standing with the national team.

According to Compétition, Bounedjah’s name is absent from the extended list prepared by Hemdani, dealing another blow to the former Al-Sadd forward’s hopes of returning to the Fennecs.

The omission comes despite Algeria’s continued search for a reliable centre-forward following Islam Slimani’s retirement from international football.

Bounedjah delivers against Al-Hilal

Bounedjah demonstrated his enduring quality by playing a decisive role in Al-Shamal’s victory over the Saudi Arabian giants.

The club captain restored his side’s lead in the 48th minute, meeting a cross from Riyad Mahrez to score against an Al-Hilal team boasting several internationally renowned players.

The striker had threatened earlier in the contest, coming close to scoring before the break in a move that ended with Mahrez seeing his effort cleared off the line.

His movement, physical presence and ability to influence proceedings inside the penalty area were evident throughout the match.

Approaching his 35th birthday, Bounedjah continues to show that he can compete at a high level, with his goal against Al-Hilal marking his second in the continental competition.

His performance appeared to strengthen the argument for a national team recall, particularly given Algeria’s need for a dependable attacking focal point.

However, the latest reports suggest Hemdani is looking elsewhere as he considers his options ahead of November’s international fixtures.

The coach has reportedly examined several attacking alternatives and recalled Farès Ghedjemis, while Bounedjah remains outside his immediate plans.

The development is particularly notable because the striker’s potential return had reportedly been under consideration just weeks earlier.

Disciplinary concerns could be behind omission

Bounedjah’s exclusion raises questions about whether footballing considerations alone explain his continued absence from the national team.

From a sporting perspective, the striker offers valuable experience, a strong understanding of African football and the ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the attack.

With no centre-forward having firmly established himself since Slimani’s retirement, Bounedjah’s current form could make him a viable option for Algeria.

His age, however, presents a challenge as Hemdani seeks to build a team for the future rather than rely on players nearing the end of their international careers.

There is also speculation that a disciplinary dispute dating back to the most recent Africa Cup of Nations could be influencing the coach’s decision.

Bounedjah’s conduct during the tournament was previously cited as a possible explanation for his absence from Algeria’s plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hemdani has not publicly confirmed that the alleged disciplinary issue is behind the striker’s continued exclusion, leaving uncertainty over whether the situation can be resolved.

At his first press conference, the coach insisted that the door would never be permanently closed to any player.

Yet Bounedjah’s omission from the expanded list suggests that a return is not currently a priority for the coaching staff.

Algeria legend faces uncertain international future

Bounedjah’s prolonged absence could bring an unsatisfactory end to a career that includes one of Algeria’s most memorable footballing achievements.

He scored the winning goal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, helping the Fennecs secure their second continental title.

The striker subsequently spent years representing Algeria, experiencing the highs of international success and the disappointment of major setbacks.

Despite his contributions, he never featured at a FIFA World Cup, leaving a significant gap in an otherwise distinguished international career.

His potential departure from the national team without a formal farewell would be a disappointing conclusion for a player who has divided opinion but left a lasting mark on Algerian football.