Ryan Ait‑Nouri sent home from Algeria squad after clash with coach

Ryan Ait‑Nouri has been sent home from the Algeria squad and returned to Manchester City after an incident during the national team’s 3:1 win over Zambia, the Algerian Football Federation confirmed.

What happened during the match

The 25‑year‑old left back began the game on the bench after coach Brahim Hemdani picked Yaouen Hadjam at left back; Hadjam opened the scoring early. In the second half Ait‑Nouri was ordered to warm up when Zambia pulled level, but the coaching staff then abandoned the substitution and returned him to the bench.

After Algeria’s second goal, Ait‑Nouri was reportedly again instructed to prepare to come on but allegedly refused. Several Algerian media outlets report the disagreement escalated into a heated verbal confrontation between the Manchester City player and members of the technical staff, with team‑mates stepping in to try to calm the situation.

Ait‑Nouri did not receive any playing time and, less than 24 hours later, it was announced he was leaving the national team camp to rejoin his club. The federation said coach Hemdani decided to release the player but did not give a detailed public explanation.

As a result of the decision, Ait‑Nouri will miss Algeria’s upcoming fixtures, including the qualifier against Burundi for the African Cup of Nations.

The episode comes as Ait‑Nouri is also competing for more minutes at Manchester City; instead of using the international break to play and regain rhythm, he leaves the camp early amid controversy. Hemdani, who took charge of Algeria this summer, declined to comment at length after the game but said that "if there is a situation that is not in the interest of the national team, appropriate measures will be taken."

Photo: Manchester Siti