Algerian national team coach Ibrahim Hamdani announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming matches against Togo on November 14 and 17, as part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The squad features seven changes from the previous one, with Abd al-Rahman Rabash and Mohamed Azi being called up for the first time. Rabash, a left winger for Spanish club Deportivo Alaves, has been impressive in the Spanish league, playing in all 11 matches since the start of the season.
Mohamed Azi, a right-back for Russian club CSKA Moscow, has also earned his first call-up to the national team. Azi has been consistent in his performances since joining CSKA Moscow and was close to being called up during the September training camp but was ultimately not selected. The inclusion of Rabash and Azi is seen as a move to refresh the team and provide opportunities for new players.
The squad also sees the return of several players who were absent from the previous training camp, including goalkeeper Osama Benbout, who replaces young goalkeeper Kylian Belazouz. Benbout's experience and skills will be crucial in the upcoming matches. Other players who have returned to the squad include Nabil Bentaleb, Yacine Titraoui, and Hicham Boudaoui.
The squad has some notable absences, including Ryan Ait Nouri, who was left out for disciplinary reasons following a dispute with the coaching staff during the September training camp. Louka Zidane, who has lost his starting position with Leganes, is also not part of the squad. In his place, coach Hamdani has called up young players such as Ghanem Benbot and Aimen Abdelilah.
The attacking lineup has also seen some changes, with Faris Ghayemis being called back into the squad after impressing with Italian club Frosinone. Ghayemis replaces Ilan Qabla, who failed to make an impact in the previous training camp. The squad also retains players such as Amin Sheikha and Amin Guirri.
Coach Hamdani has emphasized that his selection criteria were based on the players' current form and competitiveness. The team will face Togo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and the coach is keen to give opportunities to players who can make an impact. The squad's performance will be crucial in determining Algeria's chances of qualifying for the tournament.
The Algerian national team has a rich history, and the current squad is looking to build on that legacy. With a mix of experienced and young players, the team has the potential to make a strong impact in the upcoming matches. The coaching staff will be working hard to ensure that the team is well-prepared and motivated to achieve success.
Key points
- Rabash and Azi make their debut in the Algerian national team squad.
- The squad sees the return of several players who were absent from the previous training camp.
- The team faces Togo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
