An Algerian international player has reportedly sent an "indirect" message to the new national coach, Ibrahim Hamdani, regarding squad selection. The message comes as the national team prepares for upcoming matches scheduled between September 25 and October 6. These fixtures are key as Coach Hamdani begins to shape his team for future competitions.
Defender's Strong Recent Form
Defender Ahmed Touba's last appearance for "Les Verts" was during the World Cup qualifiers in September 2025, in a match against Botswana. Touba has played 16 international matches for the national team to date. At the start of the current season, the defender has participated in 5 club matches, starting four of them. His recent club performances suggest a return to form. Touba, whose parents are from Biskra, has consistently affirmed his Algerian identity. "The parents are Algerian (from Biskra), and I am Algerian. We have visited Algeria several times. Naturally, you learn to live like them. It's part of your identity," Ahmed Touba stated, emphasizing his strong connection to the country.
Context of Squad Selection
The Algerian national team's defensive options have recently seen several changes, which could influence Coach Ibrahim Hamdani's upcoming selections. Central defender Issa Mandi has retired from international play, creating a vacancy in the squad. Adding to these challenges, Ramy Bensebaini has been sidelined with an injury since August 22, affecting his availability.
Further complicating defensive choices, Rayan Ait Nouri and Ghaylen Ghaylan are currently reserves at the start of the new season and have not played any official matches. Mohamed Amine Tougaï is in a similar situation, also lacking competitive minutes. These developments highlight the context surrounding the team's defensive depth as Hamdani shapes his roster.
Player's Commitment to Algeria
Ahmed Touba's recent club engagements include matches in the Europa Conference League against Panathinaikos. Additionally, the defender has participated in French league matches with Le Havre. These fixtures are part of his club schedule at the start of the current season. The player's continued participation in high-level club competitions follows his last appearance for "Les Verts" during the World Cup qualifiers in September 2025. Touba has accumulated 16 international caps for the national team throughout his career. His parents, who originate from Biskra, have instilled a strong sense of Algerian identity in him. Touba has previously stated, "The parents are Algerian (from Biskra), and I am Algerian. We have visited Algeria several times. Naturally, you learn to live like them. It's part of your identity."
Coach's Upcoming Decisions
Coach Ibrahim Hamdani is currently preparing the list of "Les Verts" players for a series of upcoming international fixtures. These include qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) against Zambia and Burundi. Additionally, the national team is scheduled to play a friendly match against Niger. Hamdani's selections for these encounters will be closely watched as he begins to implement his vision for the squad. These matches represent the first competitive and non-competitive engagements under his leadership, setting the stage for the team's direction in future tournaments.
