Algeria will face Zambia on September 25 at the Hocine Ait Ahmed stadium in Tizi-Ouzou, marking the beginning of their CAN 2027 qualifiers. Under the leadership of Brahim Hemdani, the Algerian team will feature a new lineup. Mohamed Belloumi returns to the national team as a starter, while Melvin Mastil, a young player, will be the team's goalkeeper. This match signifies Hemdani's first game as the head coach of the Fennecs.
The defensive lineup consists of five players: Samir Chergui, Jaouen Hadjam, Saâdi Redouani, and Ramy Bensebaini. Notably, Hemdani chose not to start with Rayan Ait Nouro of Manchester City and Zinedine Belaid. The midfield will feature Fares Chaibi, Adam Zorgane, Mohamed Bachir Belloumi, and Ibrahim Maza, showcasing a blend of experience and youth. This selection indicates Hemdani's strategy to integrate new talent into the team.
In the attacking lineup, Amine Guiri and Mohamed Amoura will lead the charge, while talented players like Anis Hadj Moussa and Ilan Kebbal begin on the bench. The team's composition reflects Hemdani's focus on youth, with most players having limited international experience. Only three players from the 2026 World Cup squad retain their starting positions: Ramy Bensebaini, Fares Chaibi, and Amine Gouiri.
Hemdani's decision to opt for a youthful lineup is evident in the ages of the selected players. The team includes Melvin Mastil (26), Hadjam (23), Saad Redouani (31), Ramy Bensebaini (31), Samir Chergui (26), Adem Zorgane (26), Fares Chaibi (23), Ibrahim Maza (20), Bachir Belloumi (25), Mohamed Amoura (26), and Amine Gouiri (26). This blend of youth and experience is expected to bring a dynamic performance against Zambia.
The Algerian team's strategy under Hemdani's leadership seems to focus on building a cohesive unit that can grow together. By introducing new players and giving them significant game time, Hemdani aims to create a strong foundation for future matches. The team's performance against Zambia will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of this approach.
Algeria's match against Zambia is a crucial step in their CAN 2027 qualification journey. A positive outcome would boost the team's morale and provide Hemdani with valuable insights into his team's capabilities. The selection of the lineup demonstrates Hemdani's commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating them into the national team.
As the match unfolds, attention will be on how effectively the new lineup performs under Hemdani's guidance. The team's ability to work together and execute their strategy will be key factors in determining the outcome of the match. With a mix of experienced and young players, Algeria aims to make a strong statement in the CAN 2027 qualifiers.
Key points
- Algeria's coach, Brahim Hemdani, has chosen a new lineup for the CAN 2027 qualifier against Zambia, focusing on youth and integrating new talent into the team.
