Ramy Bensebaïni could return to left-back as Algeria prepare for their double-header against Togo in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers on November 14 and 17. With Jaouen Hadjam unavailable, the Borussia Dortmund defender has emerged as a strong option to fill the vacancy.
The experienced defender knows the position well, having played there 38 times for the Fennecs, including during their successful 2019 AFCON campaign. He has also contributed five goals and three assists from that role.
However, his disciplinary record raises some questions, as he has collected 12 yellow cards and one red card in those 38 appearances, compared with eight yellow cards in 50 matches as a centre-back.
Algeria coach Brahim Hemdani must now decide whether to trust Bensebaïni on the left or give Fahem Benaïssa-Yahia an opportunity. The latter joined the squad as Hadjam’s replacement. His decision could prove important as Algeria prepare to face Togo twice in the space of four days.
