Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani faces a selection dilemma at right-back, with Rafik Belghali set to return from suspension but several challengers emerging for his place.
Belghali missed Algeria’s fixtures against Zambia and Burundi after being suspended for two matches following the incidents that came after the quarter-final defeat by Nigeria at CAN 2025. The Torino player is available again for November’s double-header against Togo.
The 24-year-old remains ahead of the other contenders because of his Serie A experience, his ability to maintain a high-intensity workload and his attacking wing-back profile. However, his position is not yet secure.
Belghali has two further matches suspended, with that punishment suspended until January 2027. His early international appearances have also not been enough to make him an unquestioned first choice.
Akim Zedadka is among the most experienced alternatives. The former Clermont and Lille player started for Sabah against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and produced an encouraging performance despite his side’s 2-1 defeat.
At 31, Zedadka has more European experience than most of the other candidates, although he has never established himself with Algeria. He has won only one cap and remains a relatively unfamiliar figure to the Algerian public in the national team, despite already being mentioned as a possible inclusion in Hemdani’s next squad.
Rafik Messali offers a different profile. The 23-year-old Toulouse player is gradually making his mark in Ligue 1 after converting from an attacking role to full-back.
His pace, ability to beat opponents and willingness to move forward suit the modern demands of the position. Messali has already represented Algeria at youth level and appears to be edging closer to a first senior call-up. His main challenge is to prove he can maintain that progress after a career disrupted by several injuries.
Kelyann Bezahaf has also attracted attention after making a successful first start for Olympique de Marseille. The 20-year-old showed courage and energy while contributing in attack, and his status at OM makes his candidacy particularly notable.
A call-up in November could nevertheless come too soon. Bezahaf still needs to establish himself with the under-23 side, where his most recent performances in South Africa were not entirely convincing, and he also needs to build up more regular club playing time. Hemdani can continue monitoring him without rushing his development.
Saadi Radouani did not take advantage of Belghali’s absence during the most recent international window. The USM Alger player brings experience of African football, but his shortcomings were exposed against Burundi.
Samir Chergui can cover at right-back, although he remains primarily a central defender. Achref Abada provides another versatile option, but is not an undisputed specialist in the role.
Hemdani therefore has plenty of choices, allowing him to select between Belghali, Zedadka, Messali, Bezahaf, Radouani, Chergui and Abada according to his formation and the opposition.
