Algeria football team transitions following Mahrez retirement

The Algerian national football team secured a 3-1 victory against Zambia in a match held in Tizi Ouzou, marking a significant transition period for the squad following the international retirement of captain Riyad Mahrez.

Anis Hadj Moussa, playing for Feyenoord Rotterdam, has been designated to inherit Mahrez’s iconic number 7 jersey. Hadj Moussa contributed to the victory by scoring a goal during his appearance, describing the jersey as belonging to a ‘legend’.

Bachir Belloumi also earned his first start under coach Brahim Hemdani, playing 70 minutes on the right wing. His father, former African Ballon d'Or winner Lakhdar Belloumi, attended the match and addressed recent controversies regarding his comments on his son's career potential, clarifying that he did not intend to disparage Hull City while emphasizing that the national team's collective success remains the priority.