No Kebbal or Luca Zidane, Aït-Nouri sidelined: Algeria's strong selection choices

former Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani names 26-player squad for November qualifiers against Togo, excluding Luca Zidane, Ilan Kebbal and Rayan Aït-Nouri.

Algeria have announced their 26-player squad for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Togo on 14 and 17 November, with manager Brahim Hemdani making several notable omissions.

New additions include CSKA Moscow right-back Mohamed Azzi (24) and Deportivo Alavés left-back Abderrahman Rebbach (28). The squad also welcomes back Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui and Lens midfielder Yacine Titraoui, both recovered from injury. Algeria sit top of their qualifying group after two matches.

Hemdani excluded several high-profile players. Luca Zidane, the 28-year-old Leganés goalkeeper, was left out after becoming a substitute in recent weeks. Paris FC midfielder Ilan Kebbal, despite being a regular starter for the Ligue 1 side, was also omitted. Manchester City left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri, benched at club level, was excluded following a reported clash with the coaching staff in September. Hemdani stated: "The doors of the selection are open to everyone, but there are criteria to come. The first is having playing time, the second is respecting a clear framework. So today, based on these two criteria, it was normal that I made this decision. But nobody is permanently excluded."