Nadhir Benbouali emerges as Algeria option after strong Pyramids FC start

Nadhir Benbouali has put himself back in contention for Algeria after making an impressive start to life with Pyramids FC, with Brahim Hemdani facing continued uncertainty over his main centre-forward.

The 26-year-old is among the names being considered before Algeria’s November camp and their two-match meeting with Togo, according to Competition.

Benbouali opened his account for Pyramids FC against Al-Qanah in the Egyptian League Cup, scoring within seconds of the start. He then found the net in the Egyptian Premier League as his side beat Ceramica Cleopatra 4-1.

His move to Egypt had raised questions because he had just completed an outstanding campaign with Gyor. The former Paradou AC striker scored 15 league goals and helped the club win the Hungarian title, having regained regular playing time in Europe.

A transfer to Pyramids FC for about $3.5m therefore appeared to carry a degree of sporting risk. The Cairo club, however, regularly competes in continental competitions and has significant ambitions. Playing in Africa has also not prevented selection for Algeria, as shown by Monsef Bakrar’s inclusion in the previous squad after his move to Al-Ahly.

Benbouali would not be an unfamiliar figure to the national team. He was called up by Vladimir Petkovic and scored Algeria’s equaliser against Jordan at the 2026 World Cup.

Introduced at half-time, the Chlef-born forward used his 1.90m frame to meet a corner from Riyad Mahrez and help turn the game around. Algeria went on to win 2-1.

That goal highlighted the qualities Benbouali can offer. He provides a physical focal point, attacks deliveries into the penalty area and can occupy defenders with his strength. In some respects, his approach is reminiscent of Baghdad Bounedjah: a committed striker who is aggressive in the box and willing to compete for difficult balls.

Those attributes are not necessarily replicated by Algeria’s other attacking options. Amine Gouiri prefers to operate between the lines, Mohamed Amoura is most dangerous when starting from deeper positions, while Amin Chiakha remains a young international prospect.

Benbouali’s possible return also reflects a wider issue for Algeria. Since Islam Slimani retired and Bounedjah gradually disappeared from selection, no recognised number nine has established himself for a sustained period.

Gouiri has not become a specialist centre-forward, Bakrar disappointed at the last Africa Cup of Nations and Chiakha is still relatively inexperienced at international level. Algeria has consequently continued to return to the same candidates without finding an undisputed goalscorer.

Benbouali has one advantage over several of his rivals: he already knows the national-team environment and has previously performed well in it. His name is understood to be among the potential comebacks for Hemdani’s next squad.

If he maintains his scoring form with Pyramids FC, leaving him out of the November camp will become increasingly difficult. The once-overlooked World Cup figure could yet move back to the front of Algeria’s queue for the number nine role.