Haris Belkebla could soon make his return to the Algerian national team after being previously excluded from the squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations due to inappropriate behavior. The midfielder, who has since rebuilt his reputation through consistent performances with Brest in Ligue 1, has reportedly been pre-selected by head coach Djamel Belmadi for the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This inclusion signals a potential reconciliation and a fresh opportunity for Belkebla to contribute to the Fennecs on the continental stage.
Belkebla’s performances at club level have been impressive, demonstrating his technical ability, work rate, and maturity in midfield. His form with Brest has made him a standout player in Ligue 1, providing both defensive stability and attacking support. These qualities make him a logical choice for Belmadi, who has consistently emphasized merit-based selection for the national team. Being included in an extended squad offers Belkebla the chance to participate in the Algerian team’s training camp ahead of the qualifiers, allowing him to integrate with the squad, understand the tactical plans, and rebuild chemistry with his teammates.
The decision to pre-select Belkebla also reflects Belmadi’s willingness to move past the post-AFCON 2019 incident. By including him in the squad, the coach acknowledges the midfielder’s progress and the professionalism he has displayed since the previous controversy. It is a statement that Algerian football is focused on performance and potential, giving talented players a second chance to prove themselves. For Belkebla, this could represent a pivotal moment to re-establish himself as a key figure in midfield and contribute to Algeria’s ambitions in the upcoming qualifiers.
Algeria’s schedule in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers includes important fixtures against Zambia on November 14 and Botswana on November 18. These matches will be crucial in securing qualification for the continental tournament and maintaining the team’s competitive momentum. Belkebla’s potential inclusion could bolster the squad, adding depth, experience, and versatility in midfield. His ability to control the game, recover possession, and link defense to attack would be valuable assets in high-stakes qualifiers.
The extended squad will allow Belkebla to demonstrate his readiness and fitness to Belmadi, providing him with an opportunity to secure a spot in the final lineup for the qualifiers. Integrating back into the national team setup will also enable him to reconnect with teammates, adapt to the tactical system, and regain confidence at the international level. For Algerian supporters, his return would be welcomed as a boost to the squad’s quality and options in midfield.
If included in the final squad, Belkebla could play a decisive role in Algeria’s efforts to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. His return would symbolize redemption and a renewed commitment to the national team, while also reinforcing Belmadi’s message that talent and professionalism are recognized and rewarded. As the qualifiers approach, all eyes will be on Belkebla to see whether he can successfully translate his club form into impactful performances for the Fennecs on the international stage.
