Jaouen Hadjam Scores Early in Algeria Victory
Jaouen Hadjam scored in the second minute as Algeria beat Zambia 3-1 in their opening qualifying fixture for the Africa Cup of Nations. The early goal settled the contest fast, and Brighton’s new full-back wasted no time making his mark on the international stage. That moment added another chapter to the growing Jaouen Hadjam Brighton story, arriving just days after his debut in the Carabao Cup.
Hadjam strode forward from deep on an underlapping run down the left, timing his burst into the box perfectly before the Zambia defence could react. He found a tight angle near the byline and finished with real composure to give Algeria an early lead they would not relinquish.
Brighton supporters watching around the world will instantly recognise the confidence behind that finish from Jaouen Hadjam. He made his debut for the Seagulls only days earlier, starring in the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Manchester United. That was an eye-catching start on the south coast, and this early goal in Algeria colours only continues that fine run of form.
Official Details and Complete International Results
Hadjam was far from the only Brighton player representing his country during this international window, with five more first-team players away on duty. Full details on each performance, as reported by The Argus, are set out below.
- Yasin Ayari assisted Alexander Isak as Sweden beat Romania 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League.
- Maxim De Cuyper started for Belgium in a 2-0 win away to Italy.
- Ferdi Kadioglu played as a left wing-back in Turkey’s 1-0 home defeat against France.
- Chema Andres featured in midfield as Spain Under-21s lost 2-1 away in Finland.
- James Beadle started in goal, with Amario Cozier-Duberry an unused substitute, as England Under-21s beat Kazakhstan 4-2 at Molineux.
Six Brighton players away in one international window is a striking number, and it shows just how far the club’s recruitment network now reaches across Europe. It also shows the depth Hurzeler can call on behind his regular starters.
Squad Impact and Tactical Context for Fabian Hurzeler
Hadjam’s goal and De Cuyper’s full international start both point to real competition for places at full-back this season. Fabian Hurzeler now has two genuinely in-form options available out wide on the flanks heading into the next block of fixtures. Both defenders arrived at Brighton with reputations for attacking threat, and neither looks short of confidence heading back into club football.
Ayari’s involvement matters just as much, and he has become a genuinely important fixture in Brighton’s midfield this season. Setting up Isak for Sweden shows exactly the kind of passing range Hurzeler relies on in tight matches. That form feeds into the wider Jaouen Hadjam Brighton picture, with Hurzeler now able to call on real quality returning from international duty. For more on how Ayari has managed the physical demands of the season, see Yasin Ayari on maintaining match intensity.
Kadioglu’s role as a left wing-back for Turkey mirrors closely the system Hurzeler favours in his own side at Brighton. Full-backs in that setup are often asked to push high up the pitch and support the attack at every opportunity. Andres, Beadle and Cozier-Duberry add further depth across the squad, even if their minutes were more limited.
Brighton Fixture List and Upcoming Timeline
Brighton’s travelling players will now head back to the club’s training base on the south coast for their return to domestic action. Hurzeler expects his full squad to be available again once the complete squad returns from the international window.
Hadjam, De Cuyper and Ayari all return to Brighton in good form after eye-catching performances on the international stage. That leaves Hurzeler with genuine selection decisions to weigh across both defence and midfield. Focus now turns back to the Premier League.
