The Algeria national team is preparing for a friendly match against Niger this Tuesday at the Hussein Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou.
Head coach Ibrahim Hamadi announced the exclusion of two key Desert Warriors from the upcoming friendly against Niger on October 6. Hamadi approved the removal of Anis Hadj Moussa and Adam Zergan from the squad. Hadj Moussa is suffering from a muscular injury sustained during the qualifier against Zambia, while Zergan picked up an injury in the recent match against Burundi.
Also missing from the squad are forward Amine Gouiri and defender Rayan Aït Nouri for disciplinary reasons related to an incident of rebellion against his coach. On a positive note, midfielder Himad Abdelli has returned to collective training after failing to complete the previous match against Burundi.
Expected Lineup
Hamadi is expected to field a lineup featuring goalkeeper Melvin Mastil. In defense, Sadri Rahouani, Juan Jamil, Ahmed Touba, and Sohayb Nair-who is receiving his first national team call-up-could feature. In midfield, Himad Abdelli, Farès Chaïbi, and Ibrahim Maza may form a trio. The attack is likely to rely on the trio of Bashir Boulahia, Mohamed Amine Amoura, and Amine Chiakha.
The call-up of 24-year-old Saint-Étienne defender Sohayb Nair follows a strong performance in the French Ligue 2 this season. Defender Ahmed Touba of Le Havre also benefits from the opportunity after appearing on the bench in the first two qualifying matches.
This friendly comes as the team seeks to improve its record after a mixed run of form in its last five matches (two wins, one draw, two defeats).
The team's next World Cup qualifier is at home against Niger on October 6, as they aim to strengthen their position in the group.
This story first appeared at Multiple outlets including al-ain.com and eremnews.com
