Algeria: Amin Chiakha furious after being left out of the CAN 2025 squad

On Saturday evening, Vladimir Petkovic, head coach of Algeria, unveiled his list of players called up for CAN 2025. Amin Chiakha refuses to believe he was simply forgotten.

The list of 28 Algerian players selected for CAN 2025 by Vladimir Petkovic sparked bitter disappointment for Amin Chiakha. At just 19 years old, the Vejle BK striker—who has netted 6 goals in 16 matches this season—was hoping to be part of Algeria's squad in Morocco. The decision to prioritize Redouane Berkane to strengthen the attack left Chiakha sidelined. The young forward is struggling to come to terms with his omission.

On Instagram, Chiakha voiced his frustration in a way that was indirect but unmistakable. A photo shows him kneeling, hands raised to the sky, accompanied by a mysterious code [3:125], referencing verse 125 of Surah Al-Imran. This Quranic passage speaks of divine protection in the face of enemy attacks, hinting that the young player feels he has been treated unfairly.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.