Where to watch Algeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifier under Brahim Hemdani

Brahim Hemdani will take charge of Algeria for the first time on Friday when they host Zambia in their opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier at the Stade Hocine-Ait-Ahmed in Tizi Ouzou.

The match marks the beginning of a new chapter for Algeria following the end of Vladimir Petkovic’s tenure. Petkovic’s departure came after the team were eliminated in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, with former Algeria international Hemdani now leading the side into a fresh qualifying campaign.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 Algeria time (GMT+1), which is 21:00 in France. Viewers in Algeria can watch the game on ENTV and beIN Sports Mena 4, while the match will be shown on beIN Sports 2 in France. Canal+ is also expected to broadcast it in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa.

Hemdani takes over with sections of the Algerian public unconvinced, leaving little room for a poor start. His preparations have also been affected by several absences.

Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi have retired from international football, while Lucas Zidane and Rafik Belghali are suspended for the opening matches of qualification following incidents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Nabil Bentaleb was a late withdrawal from the squad.

The goalkeeping position is one of the main areas of uncertainty. With Zidane unavailable, Melvin Mastil and Abderrahmane Ramdane are competing for the starting place.

There is also a decision to make at centre-back. Ramy Bensebaini has been promoted to captain following Mandi’s retirement, but it remains unclear whether Zineddine Belaid or Ahmed Touba will partner him. Jaouen Hadjam could start at right-back in Belghali’s absence, although that selection has yet to be confirmed.

The midfield appears to have been reshaped as well, with Ibrahim Maza and Fares Chaibi the only players who seem certain to start.

Mahrez’s former position on the right of the attack is also open. Anis Hadj-Moussa and Mohamed Belloumi are both in strong form and are expected to be involved, with Hadj-Moussa appearing to have the advantage.

Amine Chiakha and Adil Bourabaa will also be hoping to make an impact. Bourabaa received a late call-up after an impressive start to the season with Le Mans, having scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists.

Algeria’s first opponents under Hemdani head into the fixture without a win in their past ten matches in all competitions.