Algeria: Belghali returns as Hemdani’s options at right-back multiply

Rafik Belghali, suspended after incidents following Algeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Nigeria, has served his two-match ban and will be available for the team’s two games against Togo in November. The 24-year-old Torino player remains ahead thanks to his Serie A experience and attacking style, but his place is not secure. Akim Zedadka, 31, has re-entered contention after an encouraging performance for Sabah against Borussia Dortmund, while 23-year-old Rafik Messali is making progress at Toulouse in Ligue 1. Coach Brahim Hemdani now has several right-back options, though none behind Belghali has yet established himself as the clear choice.