Amin Chiakha sets sights on Algeria scoring record despite goalless start

Amin Chiakha has set his sights on becoming Algeria’s all-time leading scorer, despite having made only three appearances for the national team and still waiting for his first goal.

The 20-year-old Rosenborg forward made the bold declaration at Algeria’s training centre in Sidi Moussa on Tuesday.

“I want to go far with Algeria, score many goals and become the leading scorer in the history of the national team,” Chiakha said.

The target is currently held by Islam Slimani, who has scored 46 times for the Fennecs. Slimani is 10 goals clear of second-placed Abdelhafid Tasfaout.

Chiakha has previously spoken openly about his desire to challenge Slimani’s record, but the scale of the task is considerable. Slimani spent almost a decade building his tally, winning more than 100 caps and scoring several decisive goals at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

Chiakha is only at the beginning of his international career. His confidence is notable given the quiet impression he has generally made so far. The forward is regarded as open and unassuming, and he accepted his omission from the 2026 World Cup without controversy.

His strongest response has come on the pitch. Chiakha has scored 13 league goals for Rosenborg this season, including nine in his past 10 matches, and currently leads the scoring charts in Norway.

That run earned him a return to the Algeria squad in Brahim Hemdani’s first selection.

Although the ambition is vast, it is supported by a clear upturn in his club form. Chiakha could soon have the chance to begin matching his words with performances for the Fennecs, with Algeria short of established centre-forward options.

Monsef Bakrar is his main rival for the position, while Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura can also operate through the middle.

Chiakha is therefore expected to receive playing time during the current international gathering. He could even make his first competitive start for Algeria when they face Zambia on Friday.

A two-goal performance would echo the starts made by two previous Algeria forwards. Mohamed Amoura scored twice against Uganda in 2023 on his first competitive start for the Fennecs.

Further back, Ali Mecabih also scored two goals against Sierra Leone at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in his first appearance in a competitive international match.

For Chiakha, that would represent an immediate first step towards a much larger ambition. Before he can think seriously about surpassing Slimani’s 46 goals, the Rosenborg striker must first open his account for Algeria.