Algeria’s first international window under Brahim Hemdani produced two wins, a draw and a reshaped squad hierarchy. Victories over Zambia (3-1) and Niger (2-1) were separated by a difficult 2-2 draw in Burundi, with several players strengthening their claims while others left more questions than answers.
Belloumi leads the winners
Mohamed Bachir Belloumi was arguably the biggest beneficiary of the three matches. Making his first appearances for the senior side, the winger showed immediately that his qualities could translate to international football.
After impressing against Zambia, Belloumi scored his first Algeria goal in the draw with Burundi. He then changed the game against Niger after replacing Ibrahim Maza shortly before half-time, equalising with an outstanding direct free-kick before repeatedly threatening the defence.
His two goals in three matches have also created genuine competition with Anis Hadj Moussa for the right-wing position.
Maza was another major success. His performance against Zambia was probably the most complete individual display of the camp. Available in possession and willing to take responsibility, he drove the team forward, broke lines, scored and played a direct part in the third goal.
Although the artificial pitch in Bujumbura made life more difficult, Maza’s third match ended after 40 minutes because of injury. His status, however, was not damaged. He established himself as Algeria’s principal technical organiser and looked increasingly like a genuine playmaker.
Achref Abada also made significant progress after finally being given regular minutes. He appeared only in the closing seconds against Zambia, but played the entire match in Burundi and 30 minutes against Niger.
There were imperfections, including a moment in Bujumbura when he was beaten too easily, but his aggression, energy and generally clean work left a positive impression. With the defence still taking shape, Abada certainly advanced his position.
Credit retained, if not gained
Mohamed Amoura did not radically alter his place in the pecking order but remains well placed. He supplied two assists against Zambia and rediscovered his effectiveness despite missing several chances.
His introduction in Burundi and performance against Niger were less convincing, yet his pace, work-rate and physical output continue to give him an advantage on the left.
Adil Boulbina is pressing him. At times Boulbina was too subdued and occasionally attempted unnecessary touches, but he equalised with a free-kick in Burundi and won the penalty that secured victory over Niger. He still needs greater confidence to impose himself consistently, although his camp was encouraging.
Anis Hadj Moussa made only a brief appearance, but was immediately decisive after coming on against Zambia. Nineteen minutes offered limited scope for assessment, though his standing was not harmed.
Adem Zorgane enjoyed a positive return. He was not outstanding against Zambia, but changed the midfield after entering the match in Burundi, bringing greater accuracy and balance.
Fares Chaibi was effective in the opening game before struggling badly in Bujumbura. His experience and ability to perform several midfield roles nevertheless remain valuable. Adil Aouchiche also deserves another opportunity after an intelligent, technically assured display against Niger. He was not spectacular, but moved well, made himself available and helped others play.
Defence provides mixed evidence
Samir Chergui played only against Zambia, where his partnership with Ramy Bensebaini was broadly sound despite some difficulties. Ahmed Touba was serious and dependable against Niger.
Zineddine Belaid wore the captain’s armband against Niger but struggled more, playing a direct role in the opening goal conceded by the Mena. However, one appearance in a new position on the right side of central defence is not enough to draw a definitive conclusion.
Ramy Bensebaini remains difficult to dislodge, particularly now that he is captain. His camp was far from flawless, though. He was nervous in Burundi and directly involved in the second goal Algeria conceded. Such lapses carry greater weight with his new leadership responsibilities.
His appearance against Niger was more controlled and included the winning penalty.
Jaouen Hadjam remains dangerous when attacking down his flank and scored against Zambia, but continues to leave too much space behind him. With Rayan Ait-Nouri removed from the squad, he had an opportunity to establish himself, yet did not take it completely.
Ilan Kebbal and Sohaib Nair are also difficult to judge. Kebbal had long been waiting for a genuine opportunity, but his 17 minutes in Burundi and start against Niger were fairly neutral. The team’s circumstances did not help him and he merits another assessment.
Nair was used against Niger as a right-back rather than in his natural position at centre-back. His average performance therefore provides little reliable evidence.
Chiakha and other forwards fail to convince
The camp was more troubling for Amine Chiakha. Amine Gouiri’s early injury opened a major opportunity, allowing Chiakha almost 70 minutes against Zambia, a start in Burundi and another half-hour against Niger.
His movement and willingness to work were clear, but his attacking contribution remained extremely limited. He created few opportunities, made little difference and struggled to influence matches even when Algeria dominated possession. His first start in Burundi had produced a similar impression, and doubts about his ability to establish himself at this level have inevitably increased.
Monsef Bakrar also missed an important chance. His start against Niger was intended to challenge the existing order, but he made little impact before being substituted. His profile differs from Chiakha’s, yet the shortcomings were similar: too little presence in the penalty area and too few options offered to team-mates.
Saadi Radouani had a route into the team at right-back but did not take full advantage. His display against Zambia was not disastrous, although his retreat for Fashion Sakala’s equaliser proved costly. Four days later, the USM Alger defender again struggled against Burundi, particularly in duels and when opponents accelerated.
His commitment is not in question, but his technical and tactical limitations were more visible at this level.
Himad Abdelli’s camp was also disappointing. The OM midfielder was expected to add strength and aggression in the centre, but again found it difficult to express himself for Algeria. He had limited influence, often made poor decisions and did not provide enough protection for the defence.
An ankle injury in Burundi offers some mitigation, although his performance against Niger did not remove the reservations. His display also compared unfavourably with the energetic introduction of Adil Bourabaa.
Goalkeeping remains unresolved
The goalkeeper hierarchy has also been weakened. Melvin Mastil started the two official matches and was not solely responsible for every goal conceded, but never gave the impression of complete security.
Abderrahmane Ramdane was given his chance against Niger but did not benefit from it. His handling error for the opening goal immediately damaged his case, leaving Hemdani with more uncertainty than clarity in that position.
Amine Gouiri had no opportunity to defend his place. He was injured after 20 minutes against Zambia and left the camp without playing again.
Adil Bourabaa had only the final 29 minutes against Niger to make his senior debut. That was too little time for a full assessment, but his activity, willingness to win the ball and personality suggested he could offer more. The Le Mans midfielder was called up after Nabil Bentaleb withdrew and has at least opened the door.
Killian Belazzoug did not play and cannot yet be judged.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s case goes beyond his performances. He was not used against Zambia and was later released from the camp by Brahim Hemdani after his outburst, meaning his assessment ended before it had begun.