National team coach Brahim Hemdani held a press conference on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at the Mohamed Salah Hall located in the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki. During the session, he detailed the preparations for the Algerian national team ahead of their upcoming fixtures. The squad is scheduled to compete in two matches against Togo on 14 November and 17 November 2026. These games are part of the qualification process for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Algerian national team is currently preparing for these two matches against Togo to secure their standing in the qualification group.
Squad Selection and Absences
Coach Brahim Hemdani selected right-back Mohamed Azzi for the senior team based on his youth and talent. This addition represents a focus on integrating younger players into the national squad for the upcoming matches. The technical decision to bring Mohamed Azzi into the senior setup reflects the coach's commitment to developing emerging talent within the national football program.
Defender Samir Chergui remains absent from the current squad due to an injury. His exclusion forces a shift in the defensive lineup for the fixtures against Togo. The absence of Samir Chergui requires the coaching staff to reorganize the defensive unit to ensure stability during the two-legged encounter.
These matches mark the second training camp conducted under the leadership of coach Brahim Hemdani. The coaching staff continues to evaluate the player pool as the team progresses through the qualification cycle for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This second training camp serves as a critical period for the team to implement the tactical vision established by Brahim Hemdani.
Goalkeeping and Future Returns
Brahim Hemdani confirmed he has not yet reached a final decision regarding the primary goalkeeper for the upcoming matches against Togo. The coaching staff continues to monitor performance levels among the available options before assigning the starting role. Coach Hemdani stated that he has not yet decided on a primary goalkeeper, noting that the selection process remains ongoing as the team approaches the match dates.
Regarding the longer-term composition of the roster, Brahim Hemdani noted that Rayan Ait-Nouri, Baghdad Bounedjah, and Luca Zidane remain under consideration for a return to the national team. These players could be integrated back into the squad during the international window in March 2027. The technical staff intends to maintain contact with these individuals as the qualification cycle for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations progresses. Players like Rayan Ait-Nouri, Baghdad Bounedjah, and Luca Zidane could return to the national team in March 2027, provided their form and availability align with the needs of the squad for future qualification fixtures. The coaching staff is systematically reviewing the potential contributions of these players as they look beyond the immediate matches against Togo.
