Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Ismaël Bennacer pushing for Algeria return ahead of AFCON 2025

Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Ismaël Bennacer is pushing for a return to the Algeria national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, to be held in Morocco.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder was handed starting roles in Algeria recent friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe, where the former AC Milan star made a good account of himself.

Ismael Bennacer gave the team the needed balance in midfielder, with the North African side defeating Saudi Arabia 2-0 and also inflicting a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe.

With coach Vladimir Petkovic expressing satisfaction with Bennacer’s commitment, the 27-year-old could make the Algeria squad for the AFCON tournament.

Despite not being at his peak, his recent club performances, with 465 minutes played in six starts, suggest the expected progress ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bennacer is showing signs of returning to form after his recent injuries. The midfielder, who will soon turn 28, continues to work hard to regain his best form and meet the coach’s expectations before the continental competition, the 2025 AFCON.

Algeria are paired in Group E against Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea Sudan at the continental showpiece. The former AFCON champions will open their account against Sudan on December 23.