Algerian national team coach Ibrahim Hamdani has concluded the first training camp for the Algerian team, "Les Verts," which lasted over two weeks and included three matches. The camp allowed Hamdani to assess the team's capabilities and evaluate players who were called up for the first time. Hamdani expressed his observations and conclusions during a press conference after the match against Niger, highlighting potential changes in the squad for the upcoming matches against Togo in November.
Hamdani mentioned that some players deserve to be called up but are not currently part of the team. He will consider these players over the next four weeks to determine the squad for the next training camp. This suggests that some players who participated in the recent camp may be dropped, while new players will be given opportunities. Sources indicate that Hamdani was not satisfied with the performance of some players, including the three goalkeepers.
Goalkeeper Malik MASTILE appears to be the least underperforming of the three goalkeepers and is likely to be retained for the November camp. However, with the return of goalkeeper Luca ZIDANE after serving a suspension, and the potential inclusion of goalkeeper Alexis VENDOZZI from Shabab Qabala, the team's goalkeeping lineup may change. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Abdelatif RAMADAN from Mouloudia Algiers had a mixed performance against Niger.
Some players, such as forward Moncef BEGAR, are likely to be excluded from the November squad due to underperformance. BEGAR, who plays for Al Ahly in Egypt, has not yet demonstrated sufficient readiness to join the national team. Forward Amin CHIAKHA, who is still searching for his first goal with the national team, also underperformed. In contrast, the return of defender Nadir BEN BOUALI to the November camp seems likely if he avoids injury.
The team's defense may also see changes, with Mohamed AZZI, a defender from CSKA Moscow, potentially being called up. AZZI had previously expressed interest in joining the Algerian national team. Additionally, defender Zinedine BELAIDI's position in the team is uncertain due to his recent decline in performance.
In the midfield, players like ZERBANI, ABDLI, and AOUSHICHE failed to convince Hamdani and may be dropped. The coach is counting on the return of players like Boudawwi and TITRAOUI to restore balance to the midfield. Hamdani and his assistant, Antar YAHIA, will continue to monitor players in the local league and abroad before finalizing the November squad.
With criticism mounting against him, Hamdani is under pressure to achieve positive results in the upcoming matches against Togo in November. These matches will be crucial in evaluating the team's progress under the new coaching staff and may have implications for Hamdani's future with the team. The Algerian team faces a busy schedule, and Hamdani must make strategic decisions to ensure success.
Key points
- The Algerian national team will face Togo in November in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Coach Ibrahim Hamdani is considering changes to the squad based on player performance.
- The team's performance will be crucial in evaluating Hamdani's progress and future with the team.
