Baghdad Bounedjah’s Algeria comeback faces new obstacle

Baghdad Bounedjah’s expected return to the Algeria squad appears increasingly unlikely, with Amine Gouiri, Amin Chiakha and Nadir Benbouali now better placed to lead the attack.

Algeria are due to face Togo in Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November before travelling to Lome for the return fixture on 17 November, as part of the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Bounedjah, who turns 35 on 24 November, had seemed on course for a recall after an encouraging spell at club level. However, the experienced striker is now believed to have fallen behind Gouiri of OM, Rosenborg forward Chiakha and Benbouali of Pyramids in the selection pecking order.

Benbouali could be particularly well placed to return after a brief absence from the squad in September and October.

A few weeks ago, Dzair Foot reported that Bounedjah could be brought back into the national team provided he was physically ready. His run of matches and strong form for Al-Shamal, including five goals and one assist in eight appearances, do not appear to have been enough to secure his place.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner was left out by former Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations because of behaviour considered anxiety-inducing. He was subsequently omitted from Algeria’s 2026 World Cup squad and was also absent from the first selection made by Brahim Hemdani.

Bounedjah’s most recent appearance for the Fennecs came in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Nigeria. Algeria lost 2-0 on 10 January in Marrakech, Morocco, with Bounedjah entering the match for the final half-hour.

He has won 86 caps for Algeria and remains the third-highest scorer in the history of the national team with 35 goals.

Only Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez have scored more. Slimani is Algeria’s record scorer with 46 goals, while Mahrez has 40.

With Gouiri, Chiakha and Benbouali now ahead of him in the current attacking picture, Bounedjah faces a further wait to add to his international appearances.