Struck down in Torino’s match against Frosinone, Rafik Belghali sees his return to the national team receding. Coach Brahim Hemdani must find a solution on the left before the double header against Togo.
Rafik Belghali’s return to the Algeria fold may have to wait a little longer. The 24-year-old Torino full-back went off injured in the match against Frosinone, according to OnzedAfrik. He had hoped to rejoin the national team under Brahim Hemdani after a CAF suspension that kept him out of the previous camp. The severity of his injury remains unknown: medical tests are expected to assess its extent.
Algeria host Togo on 14 November 2026 in Tizi Ouzou, before the return match in Lomé on 17 November, for matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Fennecs lead their group by a point over Zambia, and the left flank remains a question mark for the coach.
A left flank under construction
Rayan Aït-Nouri was left out of the camp after a falling-out with the coach, reports africasoccer.com. He did not feature in the 3-1 win over Zambia on 25 September.
Jaouen Hadjam has become the first choice in that position. He played the whole of the 2-2 draw against Burundi on 29 September, but he looked to be struggling physically against Niger (2-1) on 6 October and was replaced by defender Ramy Bensebaini. Since that international break, he has played only 11 minutes in the league for Brighton.
Benaissa-Yahia, the rising option
One name keeps coming up: Fahed Benaissa-Yahia. According to El Heddaf TV, relayed by africasoccer.com, the 24-year-old was reportedly included in Hemdani’s expanded list. This season he has made 11 starts in 11 matches, with 1 goal and 1 assist.
His inclusion is yet to be confirmed, and it remains to be seen whether the coach will trust him for such a closely packed double header. Caution suggests waiting for the final list.
Togo, the first hurdle
Before Lomé, Algeria must first host Togo in Tizi Ouzou on 14 November. Belghali, for his part, awaits the results of his tests: his return to the squad will depend on their verdict.
The return match in Lomé follows on 17 November, three days later. With a point’s lead over Zambia, the Fennecs will need to find a solution on the left from that first meeting.