Hemdani leaves out Luca Zidane and calls up two newcomers for Togo

Luca Zidane is not in Algeria's squad for the two-game series against Togo, which counts toward 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Coach Brahim Hemdani made his list public on Thursday. He said the goalkeeper was left out for sporting reasons.

Three Goalkeepers, All in Rhythm

According to Football.fr, Oussama Benbot, Melvin Mastil and Abdelatif Ramdane are the three goalkeepers selected, and the two matches are scheduled for 14 and 17 November. Hemdani explained himself at a press conference, relayed by DZfoot: "I made my choices on a sporting criterion, for this position, which is really particular." He added: "I needed to be able to choose between three goalkeepers who had the maximum amount of playing time. The three selected have had the most playing time since the last gathering, and that is the only reason I came down in favor of these three goalkeepers."

Football.fr notes that Zidane missed the last national team camp because of a suspension. It adds that in his club's last two Liga 2 matches, he was replaced in goal by his rival Raul Fernandez, who took his place on the bench. Foot Mercato, for its part, says he had served his two-match suspension and was available again.

Aït-Nouri and Kebbal also out

Afrik-Foot reports other notable absences. Manchester City defender Rayan Aït-Nouri remains sidelined following his dispute with the staff during the previous training camp: he did not offer the expected apologies. Paris FC captain Ilan Kebbal has also not been selected, due to strong competition for his position. RMC Sport notes that the attacking midfielder had nevertheless been in good form since the start of the season. Still according to Afrik-Foot, his teammate Samir Chergui is out with an injury.

Two first-time call-ups and some returns

Afrik-Foot details the new additions. Abde Rebbach, the 28-year-old left winger for Deportivo Alavés, is receiving his first call-up. Mohamed Azzi, a right-back for CSKA Moscow, has also been called up for the first time and will have to compete with Rafik Belghali and Achref Abada.

Benbot, the USM Alger goalkeeper named among the ten best African goalkeepers at the 2026 CAF Awards, returns following the 2026 World Cup. Frosinone right winger Rafik Ghedjemis is back with the squad, having recorded one goal and four assists this season. He joins Anis Hadj Moussa and Mohamed Bachir Belloumi. RC Lens midfielder Yacine Titraoui also returns after missing the previous gathering due to injury.