Brahim Hemdani is expected to use Algeria’s friendly against Niger in Tizi Ouzou on Monday to continue assessing his squad, with four players in particular in line for an opportunity.
The match is a less demanding assignment than the opening fixtures of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and will give Hemdani the chance to examine alternatives who have so far had limited involvement.
Hemdani has collected four points from his first two games in charge and remains unbeaten. Algeria began his tenure with an impressive 3-1 victory over Zambia, but produced a less convincing display four days later against Burundi.
The Fennecs nevertheless showed character in that match, recovering from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw.
There have been areas of concern despite the positive results. Former defender Djamel Benlamria, now a consultant for beIN Sports, highlighted defensive mistakes, a lack of balance in midfield and several decisions made by the new manager.
The meeting with Niger should allow Hemdani to carry out further experiments without the same pressure attached to a competitive fixture. According to Algerian newspaper Annasr, Sohaib Nair, Zineddine Belaid, Abdelatif Ramdane and Adil Bourabaa are among the leading candidates to receive playing time, although further changes remain possible.
Nair and Belaid watched the draw against Burundi from the substitutes’ bench. Their inclusion would allow Hemdani to rest some of his regular starters while also testing different defensive partnerships.
There could also be a change in goal. Abdelatif Ramdane, who plays for MC Alger, was selected alongside Melvin Mastil and the young Kilian Belazzoug after Luca Zidane was suspended. Mastil has started both matches so far, but Ramdane could now be given an opportunity.
Bourabaa may be the most intriguing option. The 21-year-old midfielder was initially called up by the Algeria Under-23 side before being promoted to the senior squad as a replacement for the injured Nabil Bentaleb.
He has made a strong start to the season with Le Mans, scoring three goals and supplying two assists. The Niger match could therefore give Bourabaa his first minutes for the Fennecs.
Having begun his time as Algeria manager by dealing with the demands of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Hemdani now has a chance to use the friendly as a broader examination of his squad.
The result will still matter, but the main objective will be to assess more players and increase the number of options available to the new manager.