Algeria national team coach Ibrahim Hamdani has made finding a clear striker his top priority ahead of the November international break. This move aims to address the team's recent attacking shortcomings as they prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Togo.

Hamdani plans to test several players who operate as a centre-forward or box striker during the next camp. His objective is to identify a player whose primary role is to score goals and exploit chances inside the penalty area. This focus comes after the coach identified several positions needing reinforcement, most notably the striker role, following his first training camp in charge.

Focus on Bounedjah

Attention has turned significantly towards veteran striker Baghdad Bounedjah. The player, currently with Qatari side Al Shamal, is seen as an ideal alternative after being excluded from the previous camp to trial other options. Circulating information indicates Hamdani has recently held talks with Bounedjah in preparation for a potential return to the Desert Warriors' squad. The return of Bounedjah, who scored the historic winner in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final, will depend on his technical form and physical condition in the coming weeks.

Assessing Current Options

Meanwhile, striker Amine Shiache failed to make a positive impact despite playing all 180 minutes during the last camp. Moncef Badr, the Al Ahly Egyptian player, also did not fully capitalise on his opportunity. As for Amine Gouiri, often relied upon in attacking midfield, he faces fitness challenges that limit his availability.

The technical staff believes Shiache cannot currently be more than a squad player. Therefore, Hamdani is seeking a clear centre-forward who can play regularly, contribute to build-up play, and pressure opposing defenders even without scoring. Ahmed Nadir Ben Bouali, the Pyramids Egyptian striker, is also expected to regain his place in the squad after recovering from injury and finding form with his new club.

This offensive focus comes as Algeria heads into the third and fourth rounds of AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Togo at home on November 11. The team currently tops its group with four points from a win over Zambia and a draw with Burundi. Algeria's most recent result was a 2-1 friendly win over Niger last month, with Mohamed Belloumi and Ramy Bensebaini scoring the winner from the penalty spot.

Hamdani took charge of the national team in September following the departure of Vladimir Petkovic and has led the side in three matches so far across qualifiers and friendlies. His task now is to forge a more effective attack to ensure the successful campaign continues.

This story first appeared at إرم نيوز