Algeria’s long-awaited Mediterranean Games title has put Ben Ahmed Kohili, Salah Eddine Bouziani and Issam Abdelhamid Naim in contention for future promotion to the senior national team.
Algeria won the gold medal in Taranto by beating Tunisia 2-0 in the final, ending a 51-year wait since their previous Mediterranean Games triumph in Algiers in 1975.
The success was achieved by a squad managed by Brahim Hemdani, with Mohamed Faiz Belgourari, Lahlou Akhrib, Mohamed Bouderbala, goalkeeper Mohamed El Koubi and Walid Kourdi among those to make a strong impression.
However, three players stood out particularly clearly. Their performances, potential and the current needs of the Algeria senior side mean Kohili, Bouziani and Naim can now begin to consider a future with the senior team, although none is expected to make that step immediately.
Kohili leads the way
Ben Ahmed Kohili is the most obvious candidate after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer. The 20-year-old forward scored five goals and provided one assist, while also delivering when the pressure was at its highest.
He scored against Morocco in the semi-final before claiming both goals in the final against Tunisia. His second goal came with a long-range effort just seconds after kick-off.
Kohili has recently moved from Paradou to MC Alger. He is an aggressive attacker who likes to take on defenders and possesses a powerful and eye-catching shot. Some observers have already compared him with Youcef Belaili, although that judgement is considered premature.
The young forward still needs to control his desire to provoke opponents and improve his strength and speed. Competition for attacking places in the senior team is intense, but his confidence and room for development make him a player worth monitoring.
Bouziani provides control
Salah Eddine Bouziani did not produce the same statistical numbers, but his consistency made him influential throughout the tournament.
The midfielder, who has joined USM Alger after coming through and making his early appearances at Paradou, brought tempo and balance to Algeria’s play. He was regularly available to receive the ball, remained composed under pressure and generally chose the simple option rather than attempting an unnecessary difficult pass.
At 20, Bouziani became an important link between Hemdani and the players on the pitch. His move to USM Alger should give him the opportunity to develop further while operating under greater public expectation and competing for continental ambitions.
Algeria have several midfield options at senior level, but players who can organise possession without slowing the game remain valuable. Bouziani has shown that understanding and could move closer to the senior squad if he continues to progress with USM Alger.
Naim benefits from defensive need
Issam Abdelhamid Naim may have the clearest immediate route towards senior recognition. The central defender captained Algeria in Taranto and displayed authority and leadership alongside Daniel Mehdid.
Naim, 20, previously came through the CR Belouizdad academy and has already completed a solid first professional season with ES Setif, making 19 appearances.
His campaign in Ligue 1 was not flawless, with some youthful errors costing him, but his response during the Mediterranean Games underlined his character.
His physical presence, ability to distribute the ball and confidence when carrying it out from defence fit the modern demands of the position. Algeria also face the international retirement of Aissa Mandi and recent difficulties involving several central defenders, increasing the need to refresh that area of the team.
Naim is not yet ready to establish himself in the senior side, but circumstances may give him the most favourable opportunity of the three players.
All three champions are more likely to be developed first through Rafik Saifi’s Algeria Under-23 project, which is aimed at the Africa Cup of Nations at that level and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Their club form will be decisive. Kohili must establish himself at MC Alger, Bouziani needs to take on greater responsibility at USM Alger and Naim must confirm his progress at ES Setif.
Their performances in Italy also demonstrated that Algeria’s academies and domestic clubs continue to produce players capable of raising their level in international competition. In a national-team cycle expected to undergo significant renewal, occasional senior call-ups for Kohili, Bouziani and Naim would be justified.
After their success in Taranto, the three youngsters have earned the right to aim higher.
