Algeria Coach Hemdani: "Pressure Is Part of Football"

Speaking to the press at the Sidi Moussa technical center, Algeria head coach Brahim Hemdani has unveiled his 26-man selection for the crucial AFCON 2027 qualifying double-header against Togo, scheduled for November 14 and 17.

The updated selection illustrates the coaching staff's desire to rebalance the squad ahead of upcoming continental fixtures. The attacking line sees the first-ever call-up of Deportivo Alavés winger Abderrahmane Rebbach, while CSKA Moscow defender Mohamed Azzi also joins the national team roster for the first time. These two newcomers are complemented by key returning figures, including midfielder Nabil Bentaleb following his injury recovery, right-back Rafik Belghali after serving his suspension, and goalkeeper Oussama Benbot. Conversely, seven players have been left out notably Rayan Aït-Nouri, Adam Zorgane, and Adel Aouchiche while Luca Zidane's absence continues based on club playing-time criteria.

Acknowledging the scrutiny following September's international window which yielded a victory over Zambia and a draw against Burundi Brahim Hemdani refrained from shying away from management expectations. The head coach stressed that handling pressure is inherent to leading the national team and called on his players to maintain maximum focus and physical readiness to meet the demands of the national jersey.

The Greens face an intense schedule with two fixtures packed into three days. Algeria will host Togo first on Saturday, November 14, at the Hocine-Aït-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou at 8:00 PM, before traveling to Lomé for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, at the Kégué Stadium at 5:00 PM Algerian time. Both matches present a vital opportunity for Hemdani to consolidate his tactical framework and secure a strong position in the qualification race.

Wissem Chergui