Brahim Hemdani may turn to Fahed Benaissa-Yahia at left-back when Algeria return for their next international gathering, with the position no longer as settled as it once appeared.
The competition for the role has been reopened since Hemdani’s first camp in charge of the national team. Rayan Ait-Nouri’s dispute with the manager resulted in the defender being sent home, while he remained unused in Algeria’s 3-1 win over Zambia on 25 September.
That created an opportunity for Jaouen Hadjam, who became the team’s established left-back throughout the most recent international break. The former Young Boys player also started the entire match against Burundi, which ended 2-2 on 29 September.
However, Hadjam appeared to struggle physically before being replaced by Ramy Bensebaini in Algeria’s 2-1 friendly victory over Niger on 6 October. His limited playing time at Brighton may have contributed to the problem.
The situation has not improved for the former Nantes player since the international break ended. He has played only 11 minutes in the league during that period.
Ait-Nouri is also highly likely to be left out again, with the player reportedly reluctant to apologise to the coaching staff following the disagreement. That could open the door for Benaissa-Yahia, who has been included in Algeria’s extended squad, according to El Heddaf TV.
The 24-year-old has been a regular for Montova, making 11 appearances and 11 starts, while contributing one goal and one assist. He can also operate as a wing-back, giving Hemdani an additional option in a back five a system considered to provide the team with greater defensive security.
Algeria will play Togo on 14 November in Tizi-Ouzou and again on 17 November in Lome in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Fennecs currently lead their group by one point ahead of Zambia.
