CAN 2025 - Algeria: Ilan Kebbal speaks his mind

Algeria’s elimination in the quarterfinals of the 2025 AFCON left a mark, both on the sporting front and on a human level. Beaten by Nigeria (2-0), the Fennecs saw their campaign come to an end despite dominating the group stage. In this context, certain individual situations raise questions, particularly that of Ilan Kebbal, who was barely featured during the tournament.

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A clear-eyed and unresentful statement

For his very first AFCON, the 27-year-old winger played only 11 minutes, in a meaningless match against Equatorial Guinea. A logical frustration, but one he handles with maturity.

“It was incredible. We were given the best possible conditions. The pitches were outstanding, the fans turned out in numbers,” he told RMC,

before adding:

“We came up against a team stronger than us. They were better, but that will help us learn for this summer.”

When it comes to his personal role, Kebbal remains straightforward:

“We’d all like to be starters; it would be a lie to say otherwise.”

With no hard feelings toward Vladimir Petkovic, he concludes with clarity:

“If the coach needs me for one or two minutes, I’ll try to be ready.”

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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