Neghiz expects Hemdani’s Algeria to qualify for CAN 2027

Niger head coach Nabil Neghiz believes Algeria have the character and quality to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations under new manager Brahim Hemdani.

Neghiz, who was part of the Algeria coaching staff led by Vladimir Petkovic from February 2024 until August, is now monitoring the Fennecs from across the touchline. He took charge of Niger in September and will face his former team twice when Algeria play Togo on 14 and 17 November in CAN 2027 qualifying.

The 6 October meeting with Niger in Tizi Ouzou was Neghiz’s first match against Algeria since taking his new post. He remained on the correct bench as the Mena pushed the hosts hard before losing 2-1 in a friendly.

Algeria, like Niger, have changed their technical staff after a disappointing World Cup. The Fennecs have also lost several experienced internationals, including captain Aissa Mandi and Riyad Mahrez, who have both retired from international football.

“Algeria have a new manager in Brahim Hemdani and a new technical staff,” Neghiz told Afrik-Foot. “Some players have retired from international football. Aissa Mandi and Riyad Mahrez are no longer there; they were leaders and very important players. The national team therefore needs time to absorb their absence.”

Hemdani is experiencing his first full appointment as a senior national-team manager. He previously took charge for one match as caretaker in June 2016, when Algeria beat Seychelles 2-0 following the departure of Frenchman Christian Gourcuff, for whom Hemdani had worked as an assistant.

During the September and October international windows, Hemdani introduced several new players while retaining a core of established internationals.

Algeria lead their CAN 2027 qualifying group after two matches. They opened with a 3-1 victory over Zambia in Tizi Ouzou before recovering from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 away to Burundi.

The two matches against Togo could move Algeria closer to qualification. Neghiz expects the team’s progress to continue as the squad gains experience.

“It will be interesting to face a good national team that is also targeting qualification for the CAN,” he said. “Reaching the finals is a priority, and Algeria will achieve it. Playing in the CAN will also allow the players to gain more experience. In eight months, after a few more matches, this team will be stronger.”

Algeria were 28th in the latest FIFA rankings and fourth among African nations, placing them among the continent’s leading sides alongside Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The interview with Neghiz was also presented ahead of Niger’s matches against Morocco.