Algeria is gearing up to face Burkina Faso in their CAN 2023 encounter with the absence of a key player. Ismael Bennacer has been ruled out for this crucial match.
The hopes of the Algerian nation were shaken today as the Fennecs prepare to take on Burkina Faso in the AFCON 2023. National coach Djamel Belmadi is dealt a significant blow: Ismael Bennacer, AC Milan’s key midfielder, will not be able to participate in the crucial match due to a groin injury.
Algeria Without Bennacer Against Burkina Faso
The incident occurred during the final training session before the face-off with Burkina Faso. Bennacer experienced groin pain, prompting an emergency visit to the hospital for an MRI to assess the severity of his injury. Although the results did not reveal any serious damage, the nature of the injury rules him out for this afternoon’s match, according to Algerian media present in Bouaké.
Disappointment is palpable in the Algerian camp, as Ismael Bennacer represents a crucial link in the team. His absence only adds pressure on Djamel Belmadi, seeing one of his key players unavailable in a critical moment of the competition. Algerian media reports indicate that the national team’s medical staff is taking charge of the player and plans for his return in the next match against Mauritania.
The national coach is now faced with the challenging task of finding an adequate replacement. Ramiz Zerrouki appears to be in pole position to fill in for Nabil Bentaleb, but Bennacer‘s void will require another adjustment in the midfield. Djamel Belmadi has two notable alternatives in Sofiane Feghouli and Hicham Boudaoui.
However, according to observers, Feghouli seems to be the preferred choice to fill the gap left by Bennacer. The decision is based on Feghouli’s experience in crucial matches like this afternoon’s, which will be played in stifling heat.
Algeria is already under pressure
Feghouli’s experience and maturity could prove crucial in this challenging context, as the Fennecs seek to overcome this setback and keep their hopes alive in the AFCON 2023. It must be said that this Algerian team does not inspire confidence at the moment.
Algeria is already under pressure ahead of facing Burkina Faso this Saturday in their second match of the CAN 2023. The Fennecs secured a draw in their competition debut on Monday against Angola (1-1), leading national coach Djamel Belmadi to face criticism.
Despite a promising first half and the quick opening goal by Baghdad Bounedjah (18th minute), Algeria suddenly stopped playing, conceding Angola’s equalizer from a penalty (78th minute) in a completely uncontrolled second half. Djamel Belmadi remarked, “We should have sealed the win, been more ruthless. We had a weak moment that didn’t last but was enough to hurt us. I attribute this result to our weak moment; we got punished,” raising questions with his late substitutions.
Criticism is directed at a coach who was almost untouchable just a few months ago, praised for the surprising 2019 African champion title and a record streak of 35 consecutive victories. He had put Algeria back on the map of African football, restoring pride to the Algerian people after years of struggle under Madjer, the previous coach. Despite the early exit in the 2021 AFCON and the loss to Cameroon in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Qatar, this grace period had persisted.
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