CHAN 2022: Ahmed Kendousi, Algeria's midfield maestro

The African Nations Championship (CHAN) was created in 2007 with the aim of putting the spotlight on home-based players. This edition, in Algeria, is no exception. Playing in his own country, midfielder Ahmed Kendouci is already turning heads.

Currently the Algerian league's top scorer (8 goals), Kendouci was born on 22 June 1999 in Ghriss, in the Wilaya of Mascara. He joined the ES Sétif U21s in 2018. He made his senior debut in 2019 in a league game against USM Bel Abbes. Handed his chance by Nouredine Zekri at just 19, he saw the manager leave the club shortly afterwards. As a result, the young player had less game time with the first team. But with enormous talent, another coach put his faith in him and gave him more attention. Nabil Kouki, a Tunisian coach, backed the 19-year-old and helped him step up a level.

2020-2021, the breakout year

Despite a good start to the season in 2020, Covid would again slow Ahmed Kendouci's progress. But the following season, at just 21, he burst onto the scene in Algeria. Having become an undisputed starter for ES Sétif, he scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in 34 league games. Sétif finished that season as runners-up in Algeria. He confirmed his form the following season, playing 29 games for a total of 6 goals and 3 assists.

🇩🇿⚽️ GOAL AHMED KENDOUCI ! The 20-year old midfielder, who had the assist on the 2nd goal just a minute ago, scores a magnificent goal with the volley ! ES Sétif 3-0 USM Alger #Ligue1DZ

(📽️ via @AlgeriaFootVid)https://t.co/ijSdxtwxry

— Algeria FC (@Algeria_FC) February 4, 2020

Pure talent

At 23, Kendouci is a reliable performer in Algerian football. Beyond his well-above-average statistics, he is above all a very complete player. An attacking midfielder, the Algerian has an exceptional physique and a magical left foot. His highly developed technique and football intelligence allow him to operate in tight spaces, but also to get forward. That also helps him stand out with a strong goals ratio and by creating chances for his team-mates. In 2021, France Football described him in these terms in one of its articles: "At 21, Ahmed Kendouci is already a reliable performer in the Algerian league. This central midfielder is a complete player with a high work rate, which he enhances with decisive contributions. Efficient in build-up play, he gets forward and uses his left foot to find effective passes", the French outlet said.

Kendouci, maturity and nerve

"The CHAN is going to be played in Algeria, and that is a boost for us to put on a good tournament," he said. "We have a good group capable of going all the way in this edition, we are not afraid of any team because we have the required qualities. National team coach Madjid Bougherra had difficulty putting his squad together given the fierce competition. Even though we will benefit from home advantage and the crowd, we must avoid getting carried away and saying that we will reach the final. We must stay humble and take it game by game, and every match for us will be a final", the Algerian player said recently, in comments relayed by Africa Top Sport. A statement that shows the mindset of this young 23-year-old midfielder. He has personality as well as maturity. In December 2022, he had been left out by his club because he was asking to leave, according to Dzballon.

Ahmed Kendouci is absent today with ES Sétif for disciplinary reasons.
The A' international did not train with the club this week and is asking the club's directors to make it easier for him to move abroad. pic.twitter.com/qyuuSD2Ya1

— Chebli Ishaq (@IshaqChebli) December 24, 2022

Ahmed Kendouci is still playing for Entente Sétif, but he could soon be changing scenery. Currently at the CHAN with the Algeria A' team, the Fennec started in the win over Libya (1-0). With so much talent and his current form, he is one of the most closely watched players at the start of the competition.

The player to watch during this CHAN is AHMED KENDOUCI this season:

11 appearances
⚽️ 8 goals scored
🎯 2 assists

Key man of this A' team pic.twitter.com/uSZLqSW1gb

— Actu L1 DZ 🇩🇿 (@ActuLesVerts) December 23, 2022