Nadhir Benbouali’s return to form with Pyramids FC could earn him a recall to the Algeria squad for November’s fixtures against Togo, as Brahim Hemdani continues to search for a settled number nine.
The 26-year-old has made an encouraging start in Egypt, scoring within seconds of opening his account against Al-Qanah in the Egyptian League Cup before finding the net again in the league victory over Ceramica Cleopatra, which Pyramids FC won 4-1.
His move from Gyor had initially raised questions. Benbouali had enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Europe, scoring 15 league goals and helping the club win the Hungarian title. After re-establishing himself as a regular and productive forward, moving to Pyramids FC for about 3.5 million dollars appeared to carry some sporting risk.
Pyramids FC regularly compete in continental football and have significant ambitions, however. More importantly for Benbouali’s international prospects, playing in Africa is not a barrier for Hemdani. Monsef Bakrar, who now plays for Al-Ahly, was included in the squad for the most recent international break.
Benbouali would also be familiar to the Algeria set-up. Called up by Vladimir Petkovic, he scored the equaliser against Jordan at the 2026 World Cup. Introduced at half-time, the Chlef-born striker rose to meet a Riyad Mahrez corner and used his physical presence to help Algeria turn the match around and win 2-1.
That goal illustrated the qualities he can offer. Standing 1.90m tall, Benbouali provides a target in attack, competes for crosses and can occupy defenders with his strength. In some respects, his approach resembles that of Baghdad Bounedjah: a committed striker who attacks the penalty area and is prepared to compete for difficult balls.
Those attributes are not necessarily replicated by Algeria’s other options. Amine Gouiri is more comfortable operating between the lines, Mohamed Amoura is at his most dangerous when starting from deeper positions, while the young Amin Chiakha remains inexperienced at international level.
Benbouali’s possible return also reflects a wider issue for the national side. Since Islam Slimani retired and Bounedjah gradually disappeared from the squad, no centre-forward has established himself consistently. Gouiri has not become a traditional number nine, Bakrar disappointed at the last Africa Cup of Nations, and Chiakha is still physically and competitively light for the international stage.
Algeria has therefore continued to revisit the same group of candidates without finding an undisputed goalscorer. Benbouali has one clear advantage over several rivals: he already knows the squad and has previously performed effectively for it.
His name is among the possible comebacks being considered for Hemdani’s next selection. If he continues scoring for Pyramids FC, leaving him out of the November squad may become increasingly difficult.