Algeria national football team head coach Brahim Hemdani is weighing a potential international recall for 38-year-old goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja ahead of November’s international fixtures, La Gazette du Fennec reported. The move comes as the technical staff searches for stability in the squad’s goalkeeping hierarchy following persistent struggles to replace long-serving starter Raïs M’Bolhi.
The Goalkeeping Void Following M’Bolhi’s Departure
The coaching staff’s search for a dependable number one has proven difficult since M’Bolhi’s international availability ended. Recent alternatives in goal have failed to provide the required defensive assurance. Both Melvin Mastil and Abdellatif Ramdane received opportunities to claim the position during recent international gatherings but delivered mixed performances. Their outings coincided with the absence of Luca Zidane, who missed the previous camp due to suspension. While Zidane retains his theoretical status as the squad’s primary goalkeeper, the competition behind him remains wide open.
Oukidja’s Resurgence With ES Sétif
Alexandre Oukidja stepped away from international football in June 2023 while playing for French club FC Metz, citing the physical toll of frequent travel between his club and national team duties. During his previous stint with the national team, he earned seven international caps, conceded just one goal, and kept five clean sheets without suffering a defeat. He was also part of the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. Following an injury layoff and a period without a club, Oukidja returned to competitive play by signing with Algerian Ligue 1 side ES Sétif during the summer transfer window. He has since started three consecutive matches, displaying solid form and convincing the technical staff of his physical readiness.
Squad Dynamics and the Road to November
With qualifiers and upcoming fixtures approaching, Hemdani faces pressure to solidify his roster. Alongside returning names like Alexis Guendouz, Oukidja represents an experienced option who understands the demands of continental competition. Although questions persist regarding his age, the specialized nature of the goalkeeper position could work in his favor. If he maintains his current form with ES Sétif, a return to the national team squad for the November camp remains a realistic possibility.
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