The new national team coach is reportedly facing a difficult situation during the upcoming September international break. The team is believed to be psychologically collapsed following negative participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, presenting a significant challenge for the new leadership as they prepare for key upcoming fixtures. The psychological state of the squad, coupled with significant personnel changes, shows the uphill battle ahead for the new coaching staff.
Key Player Departures
Captain Riyad Mahrez, Rami Bensebaini, and Issa Mandi have officially retired from the national team, prompting significant changes to the squad. These departures come as the team prepares for upcoming fixtures, particularly the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The retirement of Mandi and Bensebaini is expected to exacerbate the team's defensive situation, according to reports. Both players were key figures in the defensive line-up, and their absence will require strategic adjustments from the coaching staff. Mandi, a seasoned defender, and Bensebaini, known for his versatility, leave considerable gaps that new players will need to fill. The national team now faces the task of rebuilding its defense and integrating new players ahead of competitive matches, a process that demands immediate attention and effective strategy from the new leadership.
Goalkeeper and Defense Woes
Further compounding the team's challenges, goalkeeper Louka Zidane and Rafik Belghali are currently suspended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This disciplinary action stems from incidents at the end of the last Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Nigeria in Morocco. Referee Issa Cissé documented the altercations between players after the final whistle, leading to an investigation. The CAF disciplinary committee ultimately suspended Zidane and Belghali for four matches, with two effective and two suspended.
The suspension applies to the first two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, meaning Zidane and Belghali will miss upcoming matches against Zambia and Burundi. The goalkeeper position presents a major concern for the new technical staff following Louka Zidane's suspension. Zidane conceded seven goals in three matches during the World Cup, noting existing vulnerabilities. Adding to the goalkeeping concerns, Oussama Benbot also conceded three goals in his first official appearance as goalkeeper against Austria in the World Cup. The defense is similarly a major concern for the new coach due to basic errors made during the World Cup campaign, which will now be further tested by the absence of key experienced players and the need to integrate new talent.
Upcoming AFCON Qualifiers
The first and second rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are scheduled to take place between September 21 and October 6 of the current year, intensifying the pressure on the new squad. The national team has been placed in Group I for these qualifiers, alongside Zambia, Burundi, and Togo, setting the stage for competitive encounters. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament itself will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with the opening match slated for June 19, 2027, and the final match on July 17, 2027. This multi-nation hosting arrangement adds an interesting dynamic to the qualification process. An additional qualification spot for the final stage will be granted to another team in each group that includes a host nation, offering an extra incentive. Subsequent qualifier rounds are set for November 9 to November 17 for the third and fourth matches, and March 22 to March 30, 2027, for the fifth and sixth rounds, mapping out a clear path for the team's qualification journey over the next few years.