Algeria's Ismaël Bennacer: "Winning an Africa Cup of Nations is no small thing, it's very hard"
In 2019, Ismaël Bennacer (25) won the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria in Egypt. It is a memory he will never forget.
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2018-2019 was a banner season for Ismaël Bennacer. Shining for Empoli at the time, the Algeria midfielder announced himself to the Italian public. The Algerian midfielder went on to confirm his talent at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where Algeria became champions of Africa after beating Senegal in the final (1-0).
Producing solid performances and often decisive for his side (three assists), the left-footed player, who came through at Arles-Avignon, was named best player of the continental tournament. Sensing a bargain, AC Milan did not hesitate to sign him that summer. And since then Bennacer has established himself as a key man for the reigning Italian champions.
The 2019 AFCON opens the doors of AC Milan to Bennacer
Three and a half years on, the Algerian still holds indelible memories of the Greens' triumph. In an interview given to UEFA, the Milan player recalled just how much the AFCON shaped the start of his career. "And then there was that triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations, an unforgettable, historic moment. I hadn't played a single match in three years with the national team, I went through three very difficult years and I told myself I had to change something. It was only through hard work and patience that I managed to turn things around ", he recalled to begin with.
Ismaël Bennacer continues: "I was given my chance, and I managed to take it. It was a very special moment, winning an Africa Cup of Nations is no small thing, it's very hard. It allowed Algeria to get back among the best African teams after a difficult spell. " And for him, it meant becoming a leading player in world football.