Algeria National Team Prepares for Togo Matches with New Players

Algeria's national team is gearing up for their upcoming matches against Togo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Coach Brahim Hemdani has called up five new players, including four defenders, to bolster the team's defense. The team currently leads Group I with four points, but concerns remain about the team's defensive performance. Algeria has conceded four goals in three matches, including a 2-2 draw with Burundi, a team that has only participated in one Africa Cup of Nations.

The Algerian team has a good record against Togo, having won their last two encounters in October 2024. Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria won 5-1 at home and 1-0 away, securing their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Togo has since beaten Burundi 1-0 but lost to Zambia 2-0. A double victory over Togo would give Algeria a comfortable lead in the group, while a loss would make the qualifying campaign more challenging.

The team's upcoming matches against Togo are scheduled for November 14 and 17. The first match will be played at the Stade Hocine-Aït-Ahmed in Tizi Ouzou, while the second match will be held at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé. The team's training camp is set to begin on November 9 at the Centre technique national de Sidi Moussa. Coach Hemdani is prioritizing defensive reinforcements, with four new defenders called up, including Rafik Messali, Fahem Benaïssa-Yahia, Abdelnour Soualhia, and Riyane Akacem.

However, Messali's participation is uncertain due to an injury. The Toulouse player suffered a grade 3 muscle tear and is expected to be out for two months. Another new face is goalkeeper Djalal-Eddine Rahal from MB Rouissat. The team's left-back position is also a concern, with Rayan Aït-Nouri not called up due to a dispute with the coaching staff. Jaouen Hadjam has limited playing time with Brighton, and coach Hemdani may consider Ramy Bensebaïni or Fahem Benaïssa-Yahia as alternatives.

The team's goalkeeper position is also being evaluated. Luca Zidane has lost his starting spot at Leganés, and coach Hemdani has expressed concerns about his recent performances. Two goalkeepers from the domestic league, Oussama Benbot and Rayane Yesli, have been called up, along with new face Djalal-Eddine Rahal. The competition for a starting spot is expected to be intense.

Several players who were absent in October are expected to return to the team, including Rafik Belghali, Nabil Bentaleb, and Farès Ghedjemis. However, Baghdad Bounedjah, who was rumored to be making a comeback, is not included in the expanded squad. The team's attack is expected to be bolstered by the return of Ghedjemis, who has performed well for Frosinone.

Coach Hemdani's primary goal is to find a consistent starting lineup to secure Algeria's qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team's next matches against Togo will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the tournament. With a mix of new and experienced players, Algeria will look to build on their positive results and secure a comfortable lead in Group I.

Key points

• Algeria has called up five new players, including four defenders, ahead of their matches against Togo.
• The team's defense has been a concern, conceding four goals in three matches.
• A double victory over Togo would give Algeria a comfortable lead in Group I of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.