Benaïssa Yahia close to joining Algeria national team for the first time

French left-back Fahim Benassi, of Algerian descent, is strongly tipped to join the Algeria national team for the first time during the upcoming November camp, after catching the eye with his performances for Mantova in the Italian Serie B.

According to Algerian media reports, the coaching staff led by Ibrahim Hamdani is looking to expand their options at left-back, given the ongoing uncertainty regarding Rayan Aït Nouri's situation, alongside Joan Hegman's struggles with a lack of match participation.

The Algerian newspaper "El Khabar" reported that Bennacer Yahia is close to entering the plans of the national team, having been included in the expanded list in preparation for the matches against Togo, scheduled for November 14 and 17, 2026, as part of the third and fourth rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 2027.

The call-up of the 24-year-old player provides Hamdani with a new option on the left side of defense, as the coach seeks to find a suitable replacement for Aït Nouri, who is going through a difficult period with Manchester City. His presence has diminished in his team's plans, in addition to the crisis he experienced with the national team coaching staff during the last camp, specifically in the match against Zambia.

The final squad is expected to be clarified next week, with suggestions that a Mantova full-back may get the chance to represent Algeria, especially given the limited options available in this position.

Benaïssa Yahia began his football career in France, where he was born and joined Reims, before moving to Portugal via Casa Pia, and is now experiencing a new challenge this season with Mantova in the Italian Serie B.

The player has made a notable start with his current team, scoring one goal and providing one assist in 13 matches this season, figures that have boosted his chances of earning a first international opportunity with the Algeria national team.