Kebbal: CAN Exit & Playing Time - Honest Reflections

Guest of Rothen ignites after his remarkable return from CAN 2025, Ilan Kebbal spoke of his experience with Algeria. Returning to Paris FC, where he immediately made an impact in the Coupe de France against PSG, the winger returned to the competition played in Morocco, concluded with an elimination in the quarter-final against Nigeria.

For its first African Cup of Nations, Ilan Kebbal above all, keeps the memory of a significant experience, rich in human and sporting terms, which allowed him to take a step forward and measure up to the demands of the very high international level: “It was incredible. We were put in the best possible conditions. The pitches were incredible, the supporters numerous. We managed to qualify, although it had been two competitions since we had not made it through the groups. There, we reached the quarter-finals and found ourselves in a match against someone stronger than us. They were better, but that will allow us to learn for this summer, because we have a World Cup to prepare and we will have to be present. »

Asked about his limited playing time during the tournament, notably with only one entry at the end of the match, Kebbal insisted on displaying a lucid speech, without bitterness, but with the soul of a competitor: “As I said, I will always be there if the coach needs me. It was a pride to be in this group. Afterwards, as competitors, we would all like to be starters, it would be a lie to say the opposite. I took these eleven minutes thoroughly, I was waiting for that. If the coach needs me for one or two minutes, I will try to be there. »

The player of Paris FC also gave his view on the rest of the competition, believing that the Morocco and the Senegal are the main favorites to go to the end. As the highly anticipated semi-final between the Nigeria and the Morocco, Kebbal analyzed the forces present, highlighting the particular context from which the Lions of the Atlas at home: “Nigeria was better than us in that match, there is no doubt. Against Morocco, it will not be the same match as against us, because they are playing at home, with the support of the public. They are somewhat obliged to win, they know very well that they are at home and that they want to win this CAN. For me it will be a 50-50 match. »