Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani has included Mohamed Azzi and Abderrahman Rebbach for the first time as the Fennecs prepare to face Togo twice in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The CSKA Moscow defender and Deportivo Alaves forward are among five players returning to the squad after missing September’s international break. Goalkeeper Oussama Benbot, defender Rafik Belghali, midfielders Hicham Boudaoui and Yacine Titraoui, and forward Fares Ghedjemis have also been recalled.
However, Rayan Ait-Nouri remains absent. The Manchester City defender’s continued exclusion is one of the most discussed aspects of Hemdani’s selection.
Algeria currently lead Group I with four points, ahead of Zambia and Togo on three each, while Burundi have one point. The Fennecs host Togo at the Hocine-Ait-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou on 14 November before travelling to Lome three days later.
The matches are important for Algeria’s hopes of strengthening their position at the top of the group and moving closer to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Azzedine Ait Djoudi, a former coach of clubs in the Moroccan and Algerian leagues and former manager of Algeria’s Olympic team, said the squad reflected a measured attempt to increase competition while retaining experienced options.
Azzi and Rebbach give Hemdani different possibilities
Azzi’s call-up gives Hemdani the chance to assess a new defensive profile at international level. The manager will be looking at his tactical discipline, his ability to handle transitions and how quickly he can adjust to the demands of the national team.
Rebbach, meanwhile, could offer an alternative in attack. His experience in Spanish football may be useful in his movement without the ball, his ability to exploit space and his involvement in building attacks in the final third.
That could provide Algeria with greater variety when they face a compact Togo defence. Neither player, however, is guaranteed a starting place, with their adaptation to the squad and Hemdani’s style likely to determine their involvement.
The return of Benbot increases competition for the goalkeeper’s position. Hemdani has indicated that playing time at club level since the previous gathering is a significant factor in his decisions, placing current match readiness ahead of international experience alone.
Belghali adds another defensive option, while Boudaoui and Titraoui give Hemdani greater flexibility in midfield. Boudaoui’s work in recovering possession, covering space and linking defence with attack could be particularly valuable in Lome, where Algeria may face more pressure and transition situations.
Titraoui offers an alternative based on ball retention, circulation and energy in midfield. Together, the pair give the manager scope to alter his approach between the home fixture in Tizi Ouzou and the away game.
Ghedjemis can also be used either from the start or as an attacking substitute. His contribution will be judged not only by goals, but also by his movement, pressing and ability to create space for team-mates.
Ait-Nouri’s absence remains a talking point. His pace, ball-carrying and attacking play can create numerical advantages from defence, although his forward movement must be balanced against the space left behind him.
Ait Djoudi said the decision may reflect Hemdani’s tactical preferences or the availability of other players, rather than necessarily indicating a dispute. Luca Zidane’s omission is similarly linked to playing time, but his absence does not mean he cannot return if his club situation improves.
Hemdani’s main challenge will be turning this blend of newcomers and returning players into a balanced team capable of controlling midfield, creating chances and remaining defensively secure in both matches.