Mohamed Bachir Belloumi has emerged as one of Algeria’s main positives from Brahim Hemdani’s first international gathering after scoring in consecutive matches against Burundi and Niger.
The Hull City winger followed his goal in the 2-2 draw with Burundi by converting a direct free-kick in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Niger. His strike, reminiscent of the set-piece technique associated with his father Lakhdar, helped revive an Algeria side that had struggled to impose itself.
Belloumi was introduced in the first half after Ibrahim Maza was forced off injured. The 24-year-old immediately offered greater attacking threat and has used the opportunity to improve his standing in a squad still searching for a settled successor to Riyad Mahrez on the right.
His return to prominence is particularly significant given how far he had appeared to fall from contention. Injuries had repeatedly interrupted his progress, while his qualities were not always rewarded with regular opportunities. This latest camp, however, has given the player a genuine role in the team’s rotation.
Belloumi was already influential against Burundi, helping Algeria mount its comeback alongside Adil Boulbina. Against Niger, he showed even greater confidence in taking responsibility and attempting to unsettle defenders, providing a directness that has sometimes been missing from the national side.
There were shortcomings, too. Belloumi missed a clear chance during the final quarter of the match, underlining the need for greater consistency and efficiency if he is to establish himself as a regular starter.
That requirement has become even more pressing because Algeria continues to look for a dependable centre-forward. With that position not yet fully resolved, the contribution of the wide players to the team’s goalscoring becomes increasingly important.
Belloumi’s two appearances have therefore carried significant weight. He is not yet an automatic selection, but the player from Mascara achieved what many others failed to do during the gathering: he turned his playing time into a stronger case in the pecking order.
His progress will soon face a serious test. Anis Hadj Moussa had to leave the camp early after the opening match, but the Feyenoord winger remains one of the leading candidates to fill the space left by Mahrez.
The two players offer different qualities. Hadj Moussa is particularly effective when dribbling and operating in tight areas, where he can create openings for himself and others. Belloumi is more direct and tends to attack the space behind the defence.
With a double-header against Algeria’s main rival, Togo, approaching, Hemdani now has two credible options on the right flank. The succession to Mahrez is far from settled, but Belloumi has taken advantage of the opening available to him and put his name firmly into the debate.
The next response will belong to Hadj Moussa.
