Algeria Announces Squad for Togo Qualifiers

Algeria coach drops Zidane and Gabal, calls up Egyptian league player
Photo via Onefootball

Algeria will face Togo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers during a two-match series scheduled for 14 and 17 November 2026. National team officials confirmed the final roster for these encounters earlier today. Mohamed-Amine Bokrar, a forward currently playing for Al-Ahly, earned a selection in the squad. His inclusion marks a notable addition to the attacking lineup for the upcoming international window. The team plans to convene for training sessions in preparation for the first match against Togo. These qualifying fixtures represent the next stage of the national team's campaign as they compete for a spot in the 2027 tournament. The upcoming series against Togo serves as a critical juncture for the squad, as the players aim to secure necessary points to advance further in the qualification process.

Current Standings and Performance

Algeria currently leads the qualifying group with 4 points. This standing follows a 3-1 victory against Zambia and a 2-2 draw with Burundi.

National team coach Ibrahim Hamdani explained the selection process for the upcoming matches against Togo, specifically addressing the roster composition. Ibrahim Hamdani stated: "I made my choices based on a sporting criterion, especially in the goalkeeping position, which is considered very particular. I needed three goalkeepers with as much playing time as possible. The three goalkeepers selected are the most involved since the previous camp, and that is the only reason for my choice." The team now prepares to maintain its position at the top of the group standings during the international window in November. By focusing on players with recent competitive experience, the technical staff hopes to solidify the team's defensive structure and maintain the momentum established in the earlier rounds of the qualifiers.

Squad Selection and Exclusions

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane and midfielder Ilan Kebbal were excluded from the final roster for the upcoming qualifiers against Togo. National team staff omitted these players from the selection process for the November fixtures. The decision to omit these individuals reflects the coaching staff's current tactical requirements and their specific focus on the upcoming challenges presented by the matches on 14 and 17 November 2026.

Oussama Benbot, Melvin Mastel, and Abdellatif Ramadan comprise the three-man goalkeeping unit for the squad. These specific players gained selection following an evaluation of their recent involvement and playing time across their respective clubs. Their selection is intended to ensure that the team has reliable options in goal, adhering to the criteria set by Ibrahim Hamdani.

Mohamed Azzi and Abderrahman Rebbach earned their first call-ups to the national team. These two players represent new additions to the roster as the team enters the next phase of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The introduction of these players provides fresh energy to the squad as they prepare for the fixtures against Togo. The national team management has emphasized that the integration of new talent is part of a broader strategy to ensure depth within the roster throughout the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification cycle. The squad will now focus on tactical preparations to ensure they are fully ready for the upcoming matches.