Ahmed Kendouci’s hopes of representing Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have taken a major blow following a serious injury sustained during club duty in the Egyptian Premier League.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who plays for Ceramica Cleopatra, was stretchered off in the closing moments of Saturday’s 2-0 playoff win over Pharco.
Kendouci was the victim of a reckless challenge by Yassin El Mallah, who received an immediate red card for the foul.
The Algerian international was rushed from the Haras El-Hedood stadium in Alexandria to a local hospital, where medical scans confirmed a double fracture to both his tibia and fibula.
His club confirmed the extent of the injury in an official statement hours after the match, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
The diagnosis not only ends his domestic campaign but casts significant doubt over his participation in the next AFCON, scheduled to be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Kendouci, who has earned eight caps for Algeria, had only recently returned to the national team fold under new head coach Vladimir Petkovic.
Though he was not included in the latest squad announced by Petkovic, the midfielder was seen as a potential candidate for future call-ups, particularly after being reinstated following Algeria’s disappointing 2023 AFCON campaign.
However, the severity of this injury threatens to derail his ambitions. Recovery from a double leg fracture typically spans several months, and even in the best-case scenario, Kendouci would face a challenging period of rehabilitation and a gradual return to competitive action.
For a player in his position, regaining full fitness, match rhythm, and form in time to impress Petkovic ahead of the tournament may prove difficult.
Before the incident, Kendouci had been a key figure for Ceramica Cleopatra and had started the match against Pharco with high expectations. His exit in stoppage time, replaced by Mohamed Reda, was a somber moment for both teammates and fans.
The injury also highlights the physical toll and unpredictable nature of top-level football, particularly in competitive league playoff settings.
For Algeria, it adds another layer of concern as Petkovic continues to assess his options in building a team capable of challenging for continental honours.
While Kendouci focuses on his recovery, the Algerian national team will move forward with preparations for their June fixtures without one of their familiar midfield names.
Whether the Ghriss-born player can make a timely and effective return remains uncertain, but his absence will undoubtedly be felt in both club and international settings.
With just over a year and a half remaining before the start of the 2025 AFCON, Kendouci now faces a race against time—one that could define the trajectory of his international career.
🚨 Ahmed Kendouci souffre d’une fracture à la jambe, confirmée par les examens, annonce Cleopatra. 🩼🇩🇿
Transporté à l’hôpital d’Alexandrie, les staffs et dirigeants des deux clubs ont tenu à être présents à ses côtés. 🏥 pic.twitter.com/mc0RAZj4Ta
— Onze Masr 🇪🇬 (@onzemasr) April 12, 2025
