Brahim Hemdani refuses to discuss Aït Nouri situation before Burundi clash

Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani has refused to discuss Rayan Aït Nouri’s future with the national team as the Fennecs prepare to face Burundi in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Hemdani was questioned about the Manchester City left-back during Monday’s press conference in Bujumbura, a day before Algeria’s meeting with Burundi. Aït Nouri was removed from the squad for the remainder of the training camp following an incident during Algeria’s 3-1 victory over Zambia in Tizi-Ouzou.

Journalists wanted to know whether the disciplinary action would only affect the current September international window or whether Aït Nouri could face a longer absence from the national team.

Hemdani, however, avoided giving a direct answer and instead turned his attention to the upcoming match.

“We’ve had a long journey, we’ve focused on recovering, and we’re trying to concentrate all our attention on the match ahead,” the Algerian coach stated dismissively.

The response means there is still no clear indication from the coaching staff about when Aït Nouri could return to the national team.

The left-back’s exclusion followed his reaction on the sidelines during the victory over Zambia. The incident resulted in the player being dropped for the rest of the current training camp as Algeria prepared for their next qualifier.

The Algeria coaching staff appear keen to prevent the situation from dominating preparations for the Burundi match. Hemdani’s comments suggest the focus within the camp is now firmly on the next fixture rather than the controversy surrounding Aït Nouri.

Algeria arrived in Bujumbura on Sunday evening and used Monday to complete preparations for the second matchday of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Aït Nouri situation is nevertheless expected to remain a talking point after the international window. The player is expected to speak publicly once the FIFA international break ends and provide his own account of what happened during the Zambia match.

His expected comments could also provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Algeria camp and what the incident could mean for his relationship with the national team.

For now, Hemdani has chosen not to add to the discussion, with Algeria preparing to face Burundi on their home ground as they continue their qualifying campaign.

The focus inside the camp is therefore on the match, while questions over Aït Nouri’s next chapter with the Fennecs remain unanswered.