Brahim Hemdani is considering a new option at left-back for Algeria’s next international camp as uncertainty grows over the position.
The role had appeared settled, but competition has opened up since the most recent international break, the first of Hemdani’s tenure with the national team.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s relationship with the manager deteriorated during that camp and he was sent home. He did not play in the 3-1 win over Zambia on 25 September, allowing Jaouen Hadjam to take over as Algeria’s first-choice left-back throughout the rest of the break.
Hadjam started again and completed the 2-2 draw against Burundi on 29 September. However, he eventually appeared to struggle physically, possibly because of his limited playing time at Brighton. He was replaced by Ramy Bensebaini for Algeria’s 2-1 friendly victory over Niger on 6 October.
The former Nantes player’s club situation has not improved since the international break. He has played only 11 minutes in the league during that period.
With Ait-Nouri also highly likely to be left out after reportedly refusing to apologise to the coaching staff, Hemdani could give Fahed Benaissa-Yahia an opportunity. The 24-year-old was included in Algeria’s extended squad, according to El Heddaf TV.
Benaissa-Yahia is an established figure for the Virgiliani, having made 11 appearances and 11 starts this season. He has scored once and provided one assist.
His versatility could also make him a useful option in a wing-back role. That would be particularly valuable if Algeria adopt a back five, a system viewed as offering the team greater defensive security.
Algeria’s next competitive fixtures come in November, when they face Togo twice in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The first match is in Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November, followed by the return fixture in Lome on 17 November.
The Fennecs currently lead their group, holding a one-point advantage over Zambia.