The Algerian national football team has been dealt a blow ahead of their upcoming matches with the news that midfielder Nabil Bentaleb will be unable to join the squad due to injury. Bentaleb, who plays for French club Lille, sustained the injury during a match on Sunday. The Algerian Football Federation announced his absence from the team on September 21, 2026, stating that Bentaleb will miss the team's first two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
To replace Bentaleb, national team coach Brahim Hemdani has called up 21-year-old midfielder Adil Bourabaa from French club Le Mans. Bourabaa has been in good form this season and was part of the team's extended squad list. His call-up provides an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and potentially become a key player for the team. Hemdani's decision to include Bourabaa in the squad is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team's midfield.
The Algerian national team will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with matches against Zambia and Burundi. The team will first face Zambia at home on September 25, 2026, before traveling to Burundi for the second match on September 29. These games mark the first official matches for Hemdani as the team's coach, and he will be looking to make a strong impression.
In addition to the two qualifying matches, the Algerian team will also play a friendly match against Niger on October 6, 2026. This match will provide Hemdani with an opportunity to assess his team's performance and make further evaluations ahead of the team's future matches. The friendly match will be played at the same stadium as the Zambia match, Stade Hocine Ait-Ahmed in Tizi-Ouzou.
The Algerian Football Federation has not disclosed the exact nature or duration of Bentaleb's injury. The team's medical staff will likely continue to monitor his condition and provide updates on his expected return to action. In the meantime, Hemdani will have to adjust his team's strategy to cope with the absence of the experienced midfielder.
Adil Bourabaa's call-up to the national team is a significant opportunity for him to demonstrate his abilities on the international stage. The young midfielder has been impressing with his performances for Le Mans this season, and his inclusion in the team provides a chance for him to gain valuable experience and exposure.
The Algerian national team's matches against Zambia and Burundi will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. With Bentaleb's absence and Bourabaa's inclusion, the team will need to adapt quickly to make a strong impact in the qualifying campaign. The team's performance in these matches will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Key points
- Algerian national team coach Brahim Hemdani has called up Adil Bourabaa to replace injured midfielder Nabil Bentaleb.
