Andy Delort could soon make his debut for Algeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, following a series of unexpected developments that have propelled him into the national team setup. According to multiple sources, the Montpellier striker may be included in Algeria’s 23-man squad currently gathered in Doha, Qatar, for tournament preparations. The news spread quickly on Wednesday evening, capturing the attention of both fans and media alike.
Delort’s Wednesday was particularly eventful. On one hand, he completed his long-anticipated permanent transfer from Toulouse to Montpellier, cementing his club career. On the other hand, he found himself potentially called up to the Algerian national team, having recently acquired eligibility to represent Algeria. Reports from the Algerian bi-weekly Botola indicate that Delort arrived in Doha in the early hours and may take advantage of a vacancy in the squad created by Haris Belkebla’s exclusion. Belkebla was sanctioned for inappropriate conduct online, opening the door for Delort to step into the national fold.
According to beIN Sports, the Montpellier forward, who officially became an Algerian citizen, is set to join the Fennecs for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from June 21 to July 19. Delort’s inclusion marks a remarkable twist, given that he was previously overlooked for the squad due to eligibility issues. Sources from DZ Foot, a site specializing in Algerian football, reveal that his name was submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) just one hour before the squad deadline, highlighting the dramatic timing of his potential call-up.
This opportunity comes after Delort faced disappointment in the past. He had been left out of Algeria’s squad for the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations due to administrative complications. Although he had acquired Algerian nationality, FIFA maintained that he was considered French for sporting purposes, as he had previously represented France at the under-20 level. That ruling prevented him from participating with Algeria at the time, making this potential inclusion all the more significant for his international career.
The Montpellier striker’s potential debut for Algeria illustrates how quickly circumstances in football can change. From completing a key club transfer to suddenly being thrust into a major international tournament, Delort’s journey underscores both his personal resilience and the unpredictable nature of national team selections. His experience and versatility are expected to provide Algeria with added depth in attack, while giving the player a chance to finally represent his ancestral country on one of Africa’s biggest stages.
If confirmed, Delort’s call-up will allow him to join Algeria’s training camp in Doha, integrate with the squad, and potentially feature in the tournament beginning June 21. For a player who has faced administrative hurdles in the past, this moment represents not just a career milestone but also a long-awaited opportunity to compete at the Africa Cup of Nations, contributing to Algeria’s ambitions in Egypt. With CAF approval pending, fans of both Montpellier and the Algerian national team will be watching closely to see how quickly Delort can make an impact on the international stage.
