Sami Tlemcani says his decision to switch international allegiance from Morocco to Algeria followed years of contact with the Algerian Football Federation.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper has now become eligible to represent Algeria after previously playing for Morocco at both youth and senior level.
Tlemcani, who recently joined Algerian second-tier side MO Bejaia as a free agent, spent the previous year without a club. He is now hoping to rebuild his career in Algeria while pursuing his ambition of playing for the country’s senior national team.
Speaking to El Heddaf TV, Tlemcani said representing Algeria had been an ambition for some time and that his relationship with the Algerian federation did not begin with his recent decision to change allegiance.
The goalkeeper is eligible to represent both Morocco and Algeria through his family background, while also having previously played for France at youth level.
His father was born in Saint-Maurice to a Moroccan mother, giving Tlemcani links to the two North African nations as well as France.
Tlemcani’s international career began with France Under-16s before he moved into the Moroccan youth set-up.
His performances eventually earned him a senior call-up from Morocco manager Vahid Halilhodzic.
However, despite being selected for Morocco’s senior team, Tlemcani did not make his international debut.
He was an unused substitute as Morocco defeated Guinea 4-1 on 12 October 2021. The goalkeeper was not selected again for the senior side after being considered inexperienced at the time.
The following year, Tlemcani returned to international football with Morocco Under-20s.
Mohamed Ouahbi included him in the squad in September 2022, with Tlemcani remaining on the bench against Australia before starting against England.
He played the entire match against England, although Morocco were beaten 2-1.
Despite his involvement with Morocco, Tlemcani says communication with Algeria’s football authorities continued.
His first opportunity to join Algeria came in 2023, when he was called up for the country’s Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 qualifiers.
That opportunity did not result in an appearance because FIFA had not yet provided the necessary clearance for him to represent Algeria.
The situation has since changed, leaving Tlemcani eligible to play for the Fennecs.
His next objective is to make the step up to Algeria’s senior national team after completing the process that allows him to change his international representation.
Tlemcani’s move to MO Bejaia provides him with an important opportunity to regain regular football after spending a year without a club.
The Algerian side compete in the country’s second division, where the 1.95m goalkeeper will now look to establish himself and rebuild his confidence through consistent playing time.
Regular football will be particularly important for Tlemcani as he attempts to attract the attention of the Algeria senior coaching staff.
His international history means the goalkeeper’s decision to choose Algeria has attracted attention, given that he previously represented Morocco at youth and senior levels.
However, Tlemcani insists the decision was not made suddenly.
According to the goalkeeper, his links with the Algerian federation remained active even during the period when he was representing Morocco.
His switch now opens a new chapter in both his international and club career.
With Algeria his preferred destination at international level and MO Bejaia providing a fresh start after a difficult year without a club, Tlemcani will hope to regain his form and eventually earn an opportunity to represent the Fennecs at senior level.
