Algeria's national football team commenced its preparation for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN-2027) qualifications on Monday at the National Technical Center (CTN) in Sidi Moussa. The team is under the guidance of its new coach, Brahim Hemdani, who is assisted by Anthar Yahia as his deputy. Nacerddine Berarma has been appointed as the goalkeeper coach, while Nacer Daineche takes on the role of physical preparer.
A total of 26 players have been called up for this gathering, with the majority joining the team since morning. However, Nabil Bentaleb was forced to withdraw from the squad due to an injury sustained during his team's match with Lille OSC against OGC Nice on Sunday. To cover for Bentaleb's absence, Hemdani has called up Adil Bourabaâ, a 21-year-old midfielder from Mans FC in France's Ligue 1.
This gathering marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Algerian national team, following the friendly separation between the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and former coach Vladimir Petkovic. Hemdani has made significant changes to the team, omitting players like Houssem Aouar and Ramiz Zerrouki, who participated in the 2026 World Cup. The team has also seen the international retirement of experienced players Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi.
One of the immediate challenges for Hemdani's staff is to reorganize the team's midfield, which has struggled to find stability since Ismaël Bennacer's impressive performance at the 2019 CAN. The new coach has opted for a radical overhaul, with players like Yassine Titraoui and Himad Abdelli potentially making a comeback. This move signals a departure from the team's previous management.
The team's forward line also requires renewal, particularly on the right wing, where Mohamed Belloumi's strong start to the season in the Premier League has raised questions about the existing hierarchy. Anis Hadj Moussa, who has often been called upon to fill the void left by Mahrez, has yet to establish himself as a definitive starter.
Algeria's first match in the CAN-2027 qualifications is against Zambia on Friday at the Hocine Aït-Ahmed stadium in Tizi-Ouzou, followed by an away match against Burundi on September 29. The team will also play a friendly match against Niger on October 6, under the guidance of Algerian coach Nabil Neghiz.
Hemdani's first list of players has introduced several new faces, and it remains to be seen whether these changes will yield the desired results and revitalize the Algerian team. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will provide a clear indication of the direction this new cycle will take.
Key points
- Algeria's national football team starts CAN-2027 qualifications preparation under new coach Brahim Hemdani.
- Hemdani has made significant changes to the team, including the omission of players like Houssem Aouar and Ramiz Zerrouki.
- The team faces a challenging midfield rebuild, with a focus on introducing new players and tactics.
