The Algerian Football Federation has confirmed that Anis Hadj Moussa, the Feyenoord winger, and Ibrahim Maza, the Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder, are ruled out of Tuesday’s return match against Togo in Lomé.
The Algeria national team will have to do without two Europe-based players for their trip to Lomé. Anis Hadj Moussa, the Feyenoord winger, and Ibrahim Maza, the Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder, have been ruled out of the return match, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed in a statement relayed by Foot Africa.
Both players were hurt in the first leg played at the Ahmed-Ben-Ali Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Medical examinations carried out on Sunday morning confirmed their unavailability. The statement does not specify the nature of the injuries: “The players are absent due to injuries,” it says.
Hadj Moussa, provider then ruled out
Anis Hadj Moussa had nonetheless been one of the architects of the previous day’s success. A starter against Togo on Saturday, he provided the assist for the only goal in the 1-0 win. His withdrawal deprives the staff of a player who started the day before.
Ibrahim Maza follows the same pattern. The Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder, also hurt in the first leg, will not make the trip. According to the statement, the two men “will miss the national team gathering, which travels today to the capital, Lomé, to face Togo in the match scheduled for Tuesday”.
Qualification in sight
The context gives these absences particular weight. A win against Togo could confirm Algeria’s qualification for the 2027 AFCON. Algeria top Group I at the halfway stage with 7 points, according to Dongqiudi/TimesLIVE.
Saturday’s win in Doha (1-0) fits that momentum. Ramy Bensebaïni scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute, his second consecutive goal for the national team, L’Équipe Football reports. Qualification, however, is not yet secured.
The Algerian delegation travels to Lomé on Sunday. The statement mentions neither replacements nor a return timetable for the two ruled-out players.
Tuesday in Lomé, without the two ruled-out players
Togo v Algeria, matchday 4 of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, is scheduled for Tuesday 17 November 2026 in Lomé. Both players featured in the first leg in Doha; they will not be involved in the return match.
The Algerian staff will therefore have to make do with a reduced squad as they attempt to seal qualification in this international window. The statement does not give a return date to competition for the two internationals.