The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has officially announced its decision to honor two of the national team's most distinguished figures, Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi. This special recognition is scheduled to take place during the national team's upcoming "Greens" training camp, which is set to run from September 21 to October 7, 2026. The federation has explicitly stated that the primary purpose of this tribute is to celebrate the extensive and productive careers these two players have dedicated to serving the national team. This significant initiative is also designed to provide Algerian football fans with a memorable opportunity to bid a proper farewell to their historical captain and one of their stalwart defenders directly on the field, acknowledging their profound contributions to Algerian football.
Tribute Details and Schedule
To facilitate this tribute, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), working in close coordination with the newly appointed national team coach, Ibrahim Hamdani, has decided to extend a special honorary invitation to both Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi. This invitation will see them join the squad for the tribute events, even though they will be outside the official team list for competitive matches. The timing of this tribute is particularly notable as it coincides with a busy period for the "Desert Warriors," who will be participating in two key matches as part of the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. In addition to these official fixtures, the team is also slated to play a friendly match against Niger during the camp. This friendly fixture carries additional significance, as it marks the official launch of the new technical project for the national team, a strategic initiative that will be led by coach Ibrahim Hamdani alongside technical director Antar Yahia.
Player Background and Retirement
Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi, both highly respected figures in Algerian football, had previously announced their international retirement from the national team following the conclusion of the last World Cup tournament. Their decisions marked the end of an era for the "Greens," leaving a void that the new technical project aims to address. In terms of their current club careers, Riyad Mahrez is presently without a team, having concluded his tenure with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli Saudi. Meanwhile, Aïssa Mandi continues his professional career in Europe, playing for Levante in Spain, where he remains an active participant in club football. This tribute offers a chance for the Algerian football community to acknowledge their past service while they navigate different stages of their professional lives.
Context of New Technical Project
The official article detailing the Algerian Football Federation's full plans for this period was published on September 11, 2026. This announcement sets the stage for the upcoming "Greens" training camp, which is firmly scheduled to run from September 21 through to October 7, 2026. The camp is not only a period for competitive preparation but also the designated platform to officially launch a new technical project for the national team. This ambitious project is under the leadership of Ibrahim Hamdani, who assumes the role of the new coach, working in tandem with Antar Yahia to reshape the team's future. During this critical period, the "Desert Warriors" are scheduled to participate in two significant qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, showing the importance of the camp. The friendly match against Niger is specifically slated to serve as one of the initial activities under the purview of this new technical project, providing an early test for the revamped setup. It is within this full schedule that the federation intends to honor Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the national team's history and success.
