Aït-Nouri stirs controversy and recalls memories of Algeria stars' crises

Algeria will be without their star Rayan Aït-Nouri, a Manchester City player, for the upcoming match against Burundi on Tuesday, as part of the second round of Africa Cup of Nations Qualification.

Rayan Aït-Nouri has stirred controversy during the Algeria national team's camp after expressing his dissatisfaction with not starting in the previous match against Zambia, which the 'Desert Warriors' won 3-1.

The incident has brought to light several previous cases of angry reactions or disputes between Algerian players and their coaches, adding Rayan Aït-Nouri's crisis to a series of events that have captured the fans' attention.

One of the notable incidents was Saïd Benrahma's during the friendly between Algeria and Egypt in 2023, which took place at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.

After coach Djamel Belmadi's decision to substitute him, Saïd Benrahma expressed his dissatisfaction at leaving the pitch, before refusing to shake hands with his coach, in a scene that caused Belmadi to react strongly, as he grabbed the player's shirt.

According to the report, Ben Rahma has played 40 matches for Algeria between 2015 and 2025, contributing to six goals, either by scoring or assisting.

Another incident dates back to 2018, when Riyad Mahrez showed his anger after being substituted during the friendly match against Iran.

Riyad Mahrez left the pitch for Fred Mellali in the match that ended with Iran winning 2-1, before showing signs of dissatisfaction while sitting on the bench, repeating phrases that reflected his objection to the substitution decision.

During his international career, Mahrez has played 119 matches for the Algeria national team, scoring 40 goals and providing 45 assists.

In 2024, Farès Chaïbi had a disagreement with coach Vladimir Petković during the match between Algeria and Bolivia, which ended with the 'Desert Warriors' winning by a score of 3-2.

An Eintracht Frankfurt player has sparked controversy due to his reaction towards his coach, which resulted in his exclusion from the Algeria national team during three international breaks, before he returned to the squad.

Farès Chaïbi resumed his presence with the national team during the match against Liberia in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification, continuing his international career that has seen him participate in 35 matches, contributing to four goals between scoring and assisting, according to the figures in the report.

Rayan Aït-Nouri's incident opens a new chapter in the tensions between Algerian players and their coaching staff, coinciding with the continued journey of the Algeria national team in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification for 2027.

Said Benrahma refuses to shake hands with Djamel Belmadi, causing a stir in the Algeria camp. Riyad Mahrez reacted angrily to a decision made by Rabah Madjer, highlighting tensions within the squad. In another intriguing incident, Farès Chaïbi and Ivaylo Petev were involved in a moment that caught the attention of fans and media alike.