Algeria's new national coach, Brahim Hamdani, and his assistant Antar Yahia, are anticipated to announce their first squad list for the "Greens" in the coming hours. This selection prepares for a training camp ahead of official matches against Zambia and Burundi, scheduled for September 25 and 29. The new technical staff, led by Hamdani and Antar Yahia, is hoped by fans to introduce strong changes and provide opportunities to promising players. The new national coach is reportedly leaning towards calling up a list of 26 players for these upcoming fixtures, a number that suggests a full assessment of available talent. This initial squad will be key in setting the tone for Hamdani's tenure and establishing his strategic vision for the team.
Key Absences and New Faces
The upcoming squad will notably miss the suspended duo Louka Zidane and Rafik Belghali, whose absence creates immediate opportunities for other players. Additionally, retired stars Riyad Mahrez and Issa Mandi will not feature in the selection, marking a significant transition from the previous era. Their departure, particularly Mandi's retirement, opens up key defensive roles. Defenders Souaïb Naceri from Saint-Étienne, playing in the second division, and Ahmed Touba of Le Havre, a Ligue 1 club, are anticipated to be significant beneficiaries following the departure of the previous coach Vladimir Petković and Mandi's retirement. Coach Brahim Hamdani is reportedly relying on Naceri and Touba to form the foundation of the new "Greens" defense, indicating a focus on rebuilding the backline with younger talent. Kevin Guiton is also expected to be among the technical staff's choices, specifically to fill the void left by the suspended Rafik Belghali, providing a direct replacement for the absent player. These selections show Hamdani's intent to inject fresh blood into the squad.
Midfield Overhaul Expected
The list chosen by Brahim Hamdani for his first training camp is expected to see several changes, particularly in the midfield. Midfielders Nabil Bentaleb and Ramiz Zerrouki may be absent from the squad due to technical reasons, suggesting a shift in tactical preferences or a desire to evaluate new options. Additionally, Lens midfielder Yacine Titraoui might be unavailable for selection owing to an injury, further necessitating changes in the midfield composition. Hamdani is expected to rely on Schalke star Adel Oushich as a new solution in the midfield, signaling a potential shift in the team's composition towards players who fit his specific system. This move could bring a new dynamic to the team's central play. Other midfielders anticipated to be key figures under the new coach include Ibrahim Mazza, Farès Chaïbi, Hicham Boudaoui, and Himad Abdelli, all of whom are expected to play key roles in Hamdani's tactical setup.
Attacking Options and Emerging Talent
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the potential call-up of veteran forward Baghdad Bounedjah to the national squad, noting uncertainty around the role of experienced players in the new regime. Meanwhile, Amine Gouiri continues to demonstrate strong performances with Marseille, making him a notable attacking option who could provide a consistent threat upfront. Promising striker Amin Chiakha is also making a strong comeback, having previously been marginalized by former coach Vladimir Petković, suggesting Hamdani is keen to reintegrate talent that may have been overlooked. Further bolstering the attacking prospects, Hull City star Bachir Belloumi is reportedly imposing himself strongly in the Premier League this season, suggesting he could be a key figure for the "Greens" and add significant firepower to the forward line. These attacking selections indicate a blend of established talent and emerging stars.
Upcoming Fixtures and Expectations
The Algerian national team is also scheduled to participate in a friendly match against Niger, supplementing their official commitments. This fixture forms part of the preparations under new coach Brahim Hamdani, ahead of upcoming competitive matches. The friendly against Niger will provide a valuable opportunity for the new coaching staff to test formations and player combinations in a less pressured environment before the key qualifiers. The two official matches against Zambia and Burundi are vital for the team's standing in their respective competitions, and Hamdani's initial selections will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the direction of Algerian football under its new leadership.
