Brahim Hemdani’s Algeria squad could bring recalls for five former internationals

The appointment of Brahim Hemdani as Algeria manager could open the door for five players who have fallen out of favour under Vladimir Petkovic to return to the national team.

Hemdani, assisted by Anthar Yahia, is expected to make significant changes to the squad, with about 50 preliminary call-ups reportedly sent to clubs before a final selection of roughly 26 players is confirmed.

The players who won the Mediterranean Games are likely to have to wait for their opportunity, but several established internationals have strong cases for inclusion in Hemdani’s first squad this month.

Touba offers defensive experience

Ahmed Touba is one possible option in defence. The 28-year-old left-footer, who is on loan from Panathinaikos at Le Havre, has made an encouraging start to life in Ligue 1.

His versatility and experience could work in his favour, particularly following Aissa Mandi’s retirement from international football. Touba has won 15 caps for Algeria, although his international career might have developed very differently.

In March 2022, he scored against Cameroon in Blida to put Algeria within seconds of qualifying for the World Cup, only for the team to suffer the painful conclusion that followed. Since then, Touba has gradually slipped out of the international picture. A change in management could give him another opportunity.

Kebbal and Abdelli watched in Marseille

Ilan Kebbal also has reason to be hopeful. The Paris FC playmaker was left out of the squad for the World Cup despite an outstanding season and was even named his club’s player of the year by Le Parisien.

He has continued to impress. On Sunday, Kebbal’s defensive work helped Paris FC secure a 3-2 victory over Olympique de Marseille at the Velodrome.

Hemdani has not coached Kebbal directly, but he is familiar with the Marignane environment in which the midfielder first made his name. Hemdani and Yahia were both present in Marseille to watch him.

They also saw Himad Abdelli in action. The 26-year-old had been restricted to a secondary role for much of his time at Olympique de Marseille, but a change of manager and a heavily reshaped squad have created more opportunities.

Bruno Genesio appears ready to place greater faith in Abdelli. Despite having made only four appearances for Algeria, the midfielder remains a credible option because of his technical ability, his skill at breaking defensive lines and his experience in Ligue 1.

Belloumi and Chiakha strengthen their cases

Mohamed Bachir Belloumi could benefit particularly from Riyad Mahrez’s international retirement. The Hull City winger was called up for Petkovic’s first Algeria squad, although he did not play, and is now experiencing football in the Premier League.

Belloumi started the opening match of the season against Manchester United and has also provided an assist. Direct, unpredictable and able to operate on the right, he is increasingly presenting a convincing case to succeed Mahrez in that position.

Amin Chiakha, meanwhile, could address Algeria’s lack of cutting edge at centre-forward. The Rosenborg striker scored twice and supplied an assist against Hamarkameratene, taking his league tally in Norway to 11 goals.

That haul has put him at the top of the Norwegian league scoring standings. His first appearances for Algeria were brief, but the 20-year-old now has greater maturity and confidence to support his claim for a more substantial role.

Three matches to assess options

Other players could also hope to return, including Ismael Bennacer, Hicham Boudaoui, Ahmed Kendouci and Kevin Guitoun. Guitoun has been performing well for Charleroi since the club exercised its option to sign him permanently.

Hemdani will have three matches in which to test his options: a home game against Zambia, an away fixture in Burundi and a friendly against Niger.

His first squad is therefore unlikely to simply replicate Petkovic’s selection. The next phase for the Fennecs could begin with several unfamiliar faces, but it may also feature a number of long-awaited returns.