Hemdani considers two France-born defenders for Algeria squad

Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani is reported to have added two France-born defenders to his preliminary squad for next month’s international break.

According to Algerian broadcaster El Heddaf TV, Abdelnour Soualhia and Fahem Benaissa-Yahia have been included in the extended list being prepared for Algeria’s two CAN 2027 qualifying matches against Togo.

Algeria will face Togo in Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November before travelling to Lome for the return fixture on 17 November. The games are the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the tournament.

Central defender Soualhia, 25, plays for Telstar, while left-back Benaissa-Yahia, 24, represents Mantova. Both were born in France to parents of Algerian origin.

Soualhia was part of the Le Puy-en-Velay side that won the National 1 title two years ago. His rapid progress led to a move to AZ Alkmaar last summer, although he was subsequently loaned out until the end of the season.

The 1.94m defender, who previously played for Cognac and Avoine, has established himself as a regular for the White Lions this campaign. He has made 10 appearances, starting all of them, and has contributed one goal and one assist.

A left-footed player, Soualhia can operate on either side of central defence and is also capable of playing as a holding midfielder.

Benaissa-Yahia came through the academy at Reims and has also played for Lyon La Duchere and Villefranche. He can move further forward on the left side, offering another option in a more advanced role.

The 1.88m defender has likewise been a regular for his club, with 10 appearances, one goal and one assist so far.

After spending six months on loan from Casa Pia, Benaissa-Yahia completed a permanent move to Mantova. The Chalons-en-Champagne-born player could be considered for the upcoming fixtures, with Rayan Ait-Nouri’s absence strongly expected.

Ait-Nouri is understood to have refused to apologise following his dispute with Hemdani.

The reports about Soualhia and Benaissa-Yahia follow speculation that several other France-born players with Algerian eligibility could also feature in Hemdani’s squad.

Those names include Toulouse midfielder Rafik Messali, 23, Cambuur winger Ilyes Hamache, 23, and Kelyann Bezahaf, 20, of OM.