Despite being left out of the final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, Algerian player Amine Chiakha has reaffirmed his unwavering support for the national team, Les Fennecs. The young player sent a strong message of encouragement to his teammates, emphasizing that missing the continental tournament is not the end of the road, but rather a temporary setback on the path to a greater goal: participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The Copenhagen FC striker, currently on loan to Vejle Boldklub, was omitted from coach Vladimir Petković’s squad due to technical choices. Petković opted to include Monsef Bakrar of Dinamo Zagreb and Redouane Berkane of Al-Wakrah instead. While Chiakha was considered a promising young talent, the coach ultimately decided to go in a different direction with his final selection.
Chiakha expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging his disappointment at missing the Africa Cup of Nations. However, he emphasized his joy at seeing his teammates perform well. He stated that he continues to follow the team’s progress and maintains contact with the players, offering his full support despite his personal disappointment.
“Of course, it was painful to be left out,” Chiakha admitted. “But I respect the coach’s decisions. Football doesn’t always go the way you want it to. The best response is to work hard and improve in the coming period.”
Chiakha also acknowledged the strong performances of the Algerian team so far, highlighting the emergence of young players such as Ibrahim Maza, a close friend. He believes that these young talents represent the future of the national team.
Looking ahead, Chiakha remains focused on his career in Europe and is determined to prove himself worthy of future call-ups to the national team. He sees the 2026 World Cup as a realistic target and is committed to doing everything he can to help Algeria qualify. “My dream is to represent Algeria at the World Cup,” he declared. “I will keep working hard to make that dream a reality.”
The young striker’s dedication and positive attitude serve as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike. His unwavering support for Les Fennecs demonstrates the strong sense of unity and camaraderie within the Algerian national team setup.
