Rayan Aït-Nouri faces possible Algeria punishment

Algeria may take disciplinary steps against Rayan Aït-Nouri following reports that he declined to come on as a substitute during the national team’s 3-1 AFCON qualifying win against Zambia.

The Manchester City defender began Friday’s match on the bench, with Brighton left-back Jaouen Hadjam chosen ahead of him. Hadjam opened the scoring before Zambia equalised after half-time, prompting coach Brahim Hemdani to reconsider his substitutions.

Once Ibrahim Maza restored Algeria’s lead in the 67th minute, Hemdani reportedly asked Aït-Nouri to come on. According to WinWin, however, the 25-year-old declined, and his reaction was described as “inappropriate behaviour” towards Hemdani and members of the coaching staff. The incident reportedly caused anger inside the Algeria camp.

Algerian officials are expected to meet to discuss the matter. Hemdani may impose a sanction to “enforce discipline,” although it remains unclear whether Aït-Nouri will be excluded from the squad or simply omitted from the next match.

Aït-Nouri has been a regular international since recovering from injury. He joined City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2025, made 28 appearances in his first season and has featured twice this campaign. Juventus have reportedly shown interest ahead of January.