Yacine Adli reportedly preselected by Hemdani: the wild rumor angering Algeria

According to El Heddaf TV, Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani has reportedly included 26-year-old Al-Shabab midfielder Yacine Adli in his extended squad for the November 14 and 17 matches against Togo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The unconfirmed report drew sharp criticism, including from football commentator Farid Boussalem. Adli chose to represent France at youth level in 2024, saying he wanted to “play at the highest level,” but apologized in May 2026 and said he was willing to join Algeria. The Algerian Football Federation rejected his offer at the time.