The highly anticipated list of players set to grace the upcoming AFCON 2023 has been disclosed. Of particular significance, the venerable duo of Raïs M’Bolhi and Islam Slimani have earned their place in the coveted lineup, simultaneously marking their remarkable sixth appearance in the prestigious tournament.
This milestone positions them as the most capped players in the current squad for the Greens.
Their illustrious journey commenced in May 2012, under the astute guidance of coach Vahid Halilhodzic, where several players, including Slimani and M’Bolhi, made their inaugural appearances in the esteemed Greens squad.
Raïs M’Bolhi, already a seasoned goalkeeper with CSKA Sofia since 2010, and the local talent Islam Slimani quickly assumed pivotal roles, becoming stalwarts in nearly every Fennecs gathering.
At 35 years old, Islam Slimani stands as the most capped player under the stewardship of Coach Djamel Belmadi, boasting an impressive tally of 98 international appearances.
Eclipsing Abdelhafid Tasfaout’s record, Slimani not only holds the title of the second most capped player for the Greens but also ascends to the summit as the all-time top scorer, amassing 45 goals and 23 assists.
The figures underscore his prolific career, rooted in his debut with the national team in May 2012.
Slimani’s journey in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) began in 2013, contributing significantly to Algeria’s progress in five subsequent tournaments, including an African championship title in 2019.
As the dynamic forward gears up for his sixth AFCON appearance in Ivory Coast, it marks a potential milestone and, perhaps, a poignant farewell to the tournament, making way for emerging talents in the likes of Mohamed El Amine Amoura and Aymen Mahious.
Simultaneously, Raïs M’Bolhi, aged 37, emerges as the oldest and longest-serving member in the squad.
Despite not securing the most caps, his legacy is distinguished by unwavering commitment and resilience.
From his debut in the African Cup of Nations in 2013 to the triumphant 2019 campaign where Algeria clinched the championship, M’Bolhi has been an indomitable force.
His absence since November 2022, attributed to a combination of factors such as lack of competition and the emergence of new goalkeepers, underscores the evolving dynamics of football.
As M’Bolhi continues to find playing time with the Mouloudia Club of Algiers in the Algerian Football League 1, his 18 AFCON appearances stand testament to his enduring impact.
The narratives of Slimani and M’Bolhi, entwined with triumphs and challenges, add a compelling layer to Algeria’s footballing history, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating sixth AFCON for these iconic figures.
