Monsef Bakrar has another opportunity to strengthen his international prospects when Algeria face Niger on Tuesday, with the Al Ahly forward still waiting to establish himself in the Fennecs squad.
Although the match is a friendly, it could prove significant for Bakrar, who was recalled by Brahim Hemdani after missing the 2026 World Cup. The new Algeria manager’s decision to bring him back represented one of the notable changes in his first squad, but Bakrar must now make a stronger impression if he is to secure a regular place.
The 24-year-old has been among the least-used attacking options during the current camp. He remained an unused substitute against Zambia before coming on for only the final 26 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Burundi, replacing Mohamed Bachir Belloumi.
His appearance against the Hirondelles produced little influence in the final third and did not settle concerns about his effectiveness for Algeria.
Bakrar is not short of international experience. At the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, he was left on the bench for matches against Sudan and Burkina Faso before starting the final group game against Equatorial Guinea.
Algeria won that match 3-1 and had already qualified, allowing them to make extensive changes. Bakrar played the full 90 minutes but neither scored nor provided an assist. He created several opportunities, including a clear chance saved by Jesus Owono shortly before half-time, but failed to leave a lasting mark.
He was not used in the last-16 tie against DR Congo or the quarter-final against Nigeria. After being omitted following the tournament, and then left out of the squad for the World Cup, Bakrar had to wait for Hemdani’s appointment to return to the national team.
Competition for Algeria’s attacking places
Bakrar’s move to Al Ahly during the summer has helped revive his international prospects. The Egyptian club signed him from Dinamo Zagreb on a three-year contract after he scored 18 goals and supplied seven assists in 42 matches in all competitions last season. He also helped Dinamo Zagreb complete a domestic double in Croatia.
Joining one of the continent’s most closely watched clubs has placed Bakrar in an environment where his performances are under greater scrutiny from Algeria’s coaching staff. His form was enough to reopen the door to international football; he now needs to reproduce that impact in the national shirt.
The absence of Amine Gouiri has created another opening. Before the Burundi match, Bakrar appeared to be the natural alternative to Amin Chiakha as the central striker.
Chiakha has so far received more playing time. He came on early against Zambia after Gouiri was injured and started against Burundi, but his subdued performance did little to establish a clear hierarchy.
Bakrar was also unable to make a decisive impact from the bench, leaving Hemdani with a wide range of options to consider against Niger. Bakrar is among the leading candidates to start, or at least to receive a significantly longer run-out.
He will also compete with Mohamed Amoura, Adil Boulbina and other current or potential attacking options. With the squad at full strength, competition for places will become even tougher.
Against Niger, the coaching staff will expect Bakrar to show greater presence in the penalty area, make himself available and, above all, finish his chances. After an underused opportunity at the Africa Cup of Nations and a quiet substitute appearance against Burundi, he has another chance to change the conversation.
