Pyramids striker Ahmed Nadhir Benbouali called up by Algeria

Ahmed Nadhir Benbouali has been selected by Algeria for the national team’s September and October camp, shortly after joining Egyptian club Pyramids.

The Algeria Football Federation has requested Benbouali’s release from Pyramids from 21 September until 6 October. He is due to return to the club on 7 October, immediately after completing his international duties.

Pyramids confirmed the call-up through the club’s media centre. Algeria are scheduled to play two competitive matches during the camp, against Zambia and Burundi in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Desert Foxes will also play another international friendly as part of the official international calendar.

Benbouali joined Pyramids at the end of the summer transfer window from Hungarian club Gyori ETO. The 26-year-old forward has yet to make his debut for his new side.

He was not included in Pyramids’ squad for their opening two Egyptian Premier League matches. Benbouali was named among the substitutes for the club’s third-round fixture against Al Masry, which Pyramids won 1-0, but he did not come on.

The Algeria international has been included in the Pyramids squad for Sunday’s first preliminary-round match in the CAF Champions League against Kenyan club Gor Mahia.

His international call-up comes as he continues to settle into the Pyramids squad following his move from Gyori ETO. The club will now have to manage his absence during a period that includes both domestic and continental commitments.

Benbouali has made five appearances for Algeria. He has also played at the World Cup and scored for the national team in a match against Jordan.

The forward’s involvement with Algeria will run from 21 September to 6 October, with his return to Pyramids scheduled for the following day. During that period, he is expected to be available for Algeria’s two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures, their additional friendly and the associated international programme.