Algeria National Team Calls Up New Goalkeeper Rayane Yesli

Algeria's national team has a new goalkeeper, Rayane Yesli, who has been called up by coach Brahim Hemdani to replace Abdellatif Ramdane. Ramdane was released from the team's training camp due to the death of his father. The Algerian Football Federation announced the change in a statement, saying that Yesli will join the team for their upcoming training session. Yesli is a 27-year-old Algerian-Canadian goalkeeper who currently plays for Olympique Akbou.

Yesli's call-up is his first-ever international invitation. He joined Olympique Akbou in January 2026 from Canadian team HFX Wanderers. Before that, he played for other Canadian teams, including Valour FC, AS Blainville, and Athlético Ottawa. Yesli started his professional career in 2018 with Vibonese, an Italian Serie D team. His experience playing in different countries and leagues could bring a new perspective to the Algerian national team.

The Algerian national team has been struggling to find a consistent goalkeeper since Raïs Mbolhi's retirement. No goalkeeper has managed to secure a regular starting position, and the team has been experimenting with different players in the position. Yesli will join Oussama Benbot and Melvin Mastil as the team's third goalkeeper. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to make an impact and secure a starting spot.

Coach Brahim Hemdani made the decision to call up Yesli after Ramdane's emotional exit from the team's match against JS El Biar - MC Alger in Ligue 1. Ramdane left the field in tears after learning of his father's passing during the game. The team's management has been supportive of Ramdane, allowing him to leave the training camp and deal with his family's loss.

Rayane Yesli's background and experience could make him a valuable addition to the Algerian national team. As an Algerian-Canadian player, he has a unique perspective and has played in different countries and leagues. His call-up is an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and potentially become a key player for the team.

The Algerian national team's upcoming training session will be an important opportunity for Yesli to integrate with the team and demonstrate his abilities. The team's coach, Brahim Hemdani, will be evaluating the team's performance and making decisions about the starting lineup. Yesli's inclusion in the team is a chance for him to prove himself and contribute to the team's success.

The Algerian Football Federation has announced the team's 26-player squad for the upcoming matches. The squad includes goalkeepers Oussama Benbot, Melvin Mastil, and Rayane Yesli, as well as defenders, midfielders, and forwards from different clubs. The team's management is working to prepare the team for their upcoming matches and to achieve their goals in the competition.

Key points

• Rayane Yesli is a 27-year-old Algerian-Canadian goalkeeper who has been called up to the Algerian national team for the first time.