Bakrar handed fresh Algeria chance to prove his worth against Niger

Monsef Bakrar has another opportunity to strengthen his claim for a regular place with Algeria when they face Niger on Tuesday, despite the match being a friendly.

The Al Ahly forward was recalled by Brahim Hemdani after missing the 2026 World Cup, but has made only a limited contribution since returning to the Fennecs squad. The Niger fixture could therefore prove important to his international future.

Bakrar has been among Algeria’s least-used attacking players during the current camp. He remained an unused substitute against Zambia before playing the final 26 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Burundi, replacing Mohamed Bachir Belloumi.

His appearance against the Hirondelles did little to settle questions about his impact at international level. Bakrar struggled to trouble the opposition defence and was unable to make a decisive contribution.

This is not his first opportunity to establish himself with Algeria. At the last Africa Cup of Nations, he was left on the bench for matches against Sudan and Burkina Faso before starting the final group game against Equatorial Guinea.

Algeria had already secured qualification for the knockout stage and made extensive changes for that match, which they won 3-1. Bakrar played the full game but neither scored nor provided an assist.

He created several openings, including a clear chance shortly before half-time which was saved by Jesus Owono, but his performance failed to leave a lasting impression. He was not used in the last-16 tie against the Democratic Republic of the Congo or the quarter-final against Nigeria.

Bakrar was subsequently dropped from the national team and was not selected for the World Cup. His return came with Hemdani’s arrival, forming one of the most notable changes in the new manager’s first squad.

His recall represents a second opportunity, even if it may not be his last. The 24-year-old has also given himself a stronger platform at club level since joining Al Ahly from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer.

The Egyptian club signed him on a three-year contract after he scored 18 goals and supplied seven assists in 42 matches in all competitions last season. He also helped Dinamo Zagreb complete a domestic double in Croatia.

Moving to one of the continent’s most prominent clubs has placed Bakrar under closer observation from Algeria’s coaching staff and helped reopen the door to international football. He must now reproduce that form in the national shirt.

The absence of Amine Gouiri has created further room in the attack. Before the Burundi match, Bakrar appeared to be the natural alternative to Amin Chiakha as the central striker.

Chiakha has so far received more playing time. He was introduced early against Zambia after Gouiri’s injury and then started against Burundi, but his performance was also inconclusive.

That display left Algeria’s attacking hierarchy unresolved, while Bakrar’s own substitute appearance offered little clarity. Hemdani could now use the Niger game to alter his options.

Bakrar is among the leading candidates to start or, at the very least, play a more substantial role. He faces competition from Mohamed Amoura, Adil Boulbina and other available forwards, with places likely to become harder to secure once the squad is complete.

Against Niger, the coaching staff will expect greater presence in the penalty area, more movement and, above all, greater efficiency. After an underused chance at the Africa Cup of Nations and a quiet appearance against Burundi, Bakrar has another opportunity to make an impact.