Former Algeria defender Djamel Benlamri has criticised the national team’s defensive performance and lack of identity after their 2-2 draw with Burundi, while praising Morocco’s recent development as an example for the Fennecs to follow.
Now working as a consultant for beIN Sports, Benlamri was particularly critical of Algeria’s display in their second match under new manager Brahim Hemdani. The result extended Hemdani’s unbeaten start, following a convincing 3-1 victory against Zambia, but Algeria had to recover from 2-0 down in Burundi.
Benlamri was unhappy with the space afforded to the hosts and the errors made by Algeria’s defence.
“I did not understand the defensive problems and the huge errors in the national team’s defence, as if the spaces had become open streets,” said the former centre-back.
He also questioned the team’s midfield, adding: “The team had no identity, especially in midfield.”
Algeria struggled to contain the pace and dribbling of Jean-Claude Girumugisha and found themselves two goals behind. Benlamri’s assessment was severe, given the difficulty of playing away in Africa and the fact that Algeria recovered to draw 2-2 in front of an intensely passionate Burundi crowd.
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner also challenged some of Hemdani’s decisions during the match.
“Taking Boulbina off was a mistake,” he said, arguing that the forward had provided movement and attacking threat. Benlamri also felt Amine Chiakha was not a like-for-like replacement for Baghdad Bounedjah.
Although Algeria’s results remain acceptable, Benlamri said he was more concerned by the impression the side was creating.
“Mathematically, the national team’s figures are good, but the team’s spirit is beginning to cause concern. We are starting to feel that the national team is nervous, and the manager must give this team a real personality.”
It is a notably strong judgement after only two matches under Hemdani. Algeria have taken four points from six and showed their resilience by overturning a two-goal deficit in Burundi, leaving the new manager with a positive record on paper.
Benlamri, however, believes the performances remain well below the required standard.
His comments came only weeks after he attracted attention during a dispute with Youcef Belaili over the contractual confusion involving the player, MC Alger and Esperance de Tunis.
In contrast to his criticism of Algeria, Benlamri highlighted Morocco’s progress in recent years. The former Lyonnais sees the Lions of the Atlas as an example of continuity and organisation, qualities he believes Algeria still lack.
The comparison underlines his central concern: while Algeria are yet to establish a clear identity and personality under Hemdani, Morocco have built a more structured and consistent national-team project.
Hemdani, who has only just taken charge, is therefore already facing close scrutiny. His early results are positive, but Benlamri’s assessment is that the team’s performances and overall character must improve.
