[REVISION HISTORY]

Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani begins squad rebuild

Updated 16 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-21 16:12 UTC → 2026-09-25 18:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani ~~unveils first~~ begins squad rebuild

Following the termination of Vladimir Petković’s contract on 3 August 2026, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) appointed Brahim Hemdani as head coach on 5 September 2026. Hemdani, who previously led the Algeria U21 team, is tasked with managing the transition following the retirements of Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi, with a mandate to reach at least the semi-finals of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). On 16 September 2026, Hemdani unveiled his first 26-player squad for the upcoming 2027 CAN qualifiers against Zambia and Burundi, as well as a friendly against Niger. The selection represents a significant overhaul, omitting 12 players from the 2026 World Cup squad, including Houssem Aouar, Ramiz Zerrouki, Ismaël Bennacer, and Baghdad Bounedjah, though Adem Zorgane and Ahmed Touba were included. ~~Hemdani has faced scrutiny regarding his selection strategy and his own international career. Former player Ali Bencheikh suggested~~ To address injuries, Nabil Bentaleb was replaced by 21-year-old Le Mans FC midfielder Adil Bourabaa. As training commenced at the ~~list did not constitute a major overhaul due to~~ Sidi Moussa National Technical Centre, Hemdani, supported by assistant coach Anthar Yahia, noted the ~~inclusion~~ difficulty of ~~many returning players, noting~~ rebuilding a squad lacking a stable tactical framework. He observed that Petković had utilized 28 different starting lineups across 28 matches, necessitating a ground-up reconstruction of the ~~ultimate test for Hemdani will be establishing~~ team's structure. The squad is undergoing a ~~clear playing style. During his inaugural press conference, Hemdani addressed questions~~ demographic shift toward younger talent, featuring 14 players aged 25 or younger, such as Anis Hadj Moussa, Ibrahim Maza, and Rayan Aït-Nouri. However, controversy has arisen regarding 18-year-old midfielder Hichem Abderrebi; while his ~~decision to delay representing Algeria until 2008, stating, “I assume my choices.” As the team begins preparations~~ name appeared on a North African Football Union (UNAF) list for ~~the qualifying campaign, roster adjustments have been made due to injuries. Nabil Bentaleb has been ruled out of the upcoming matches following an injury in Ligue 1. To fill this vacancy,~~ U20 qualifications, he was absent from the official FAF ~~has called up 22-year-old Le Mans FC midfielder Adil Bourabaa for~~ list following his ~~first senior international appearance. Algeria is scheduled to play Zambia in Tizi Ouzou before traveling~~ recent call-up to ~~face Burundi.~~ the France U19 squad.

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