Algeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign without Nabil Bentaleb. The Algerian Football Federation confirmed on Monday that the 31-year-old midfielder is out due to an injury sustained with his club Lille.
Head coach Brahim Hemdani has called up 21-year-old forward Adil Bourabaa as a reinforcement to the initial squad. Bourabaa plays for French side Mans FC and has scored three goals in five matches this season. The Algerian FA stated: "Bentaleb’s absence following the injury sustained in Ligue 1."
Hemdani began his first training camp on Monday in Sidi Moussa ahead of the upcoming fixtures. Algeria will host Zambia in Tizi-Ouzou on September 25 in the first qualifying round, before travelling to face Burundi away on September 29.
This comes as the national team sits third in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three games. The side faces a challenge without Bentaleb and other absentees like Yassine Titraoui and Farès Chaïbi.
Fans can check the team's full fixtures schedule for the qualifying period. Algeria will also play a friendly against Niger on October 6 as part of their preparations.
The call-up for Bourabaa represents a move to inject fresh blood into the attack, as Hemdani looks to cover absences and bolster his options. The team's recent form across the last five games reads two wins, one draw, and two losses.
The match against Zambia is the first real test on the road to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and all matches can be followed via the standings page.
This story first appeared at beninwebtv.bj
The Algerian national team prepares to face Zambia on Friday evening at the Hussein Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou. The Algerian Football Federation said the match will be the official debut for manager Ibrahim Hamdani in charge of the team. This fixture comes after Algeria's last official appearance at the 2026 World Cup, where they lost 2-0 to Switzerland in the round of 32.
