Saïd Benrahma

Benrahma receives Algeria call-up for vital qualifier

West Ham United forward Saïd Benrahma has linked up with the Algeria squad ahead of his country’s decisive fixture in the hunt for qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The 26-year-old may yet be involved in The Greens’ CAF third-round qualification tie with Cameroon, having been given a late call by national coach Djamel Belmadi to join up with his international side on Monday afternoon.

Algeria face Cameroon at Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida on Tuesday having won the away leg 1-0 on Friday (25 March), courtesy of a first-half strike from Sporting CP forward Islam Slimani.

The winners of the two-legged tie will advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar.

Benrahma was not named in Algeria’s squad for that initial fixture, having last featured for his country at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, but could now have the opportunity to win cap number 18 for his country.

The silky playmaker has started the Irons’ last three games, scoring once and assisting his teammates twice across domestic and European competitions.

Algeria’s second-leg tie against Cameroon kicks off at 8.30pm BST on Tuesday 29 March, with a report to follow on whufc.com at the culmination of the night’s events.
 

UEL