Bentaleb Expresses "Great Disappointment" Over AFCON Snub

Midfielder Nabil Bentaleb was notably excluded from Algeria's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025," a decision that left the player deeply disappointed.

Despite Bentaleb's consistent involvement with his club, Lille, in the French League this season, featuring in ten of their last eleven matches, the 31-year-old's name was absent from the squad announced by coach Vladimir Petkovic. The continental tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Speaking to "Le Petit Lillois," Bentaleb voiced his disappointment, stating that he believed his performances warranted a place in the national team, but he respectfully accepted the coach's decision.

The former Tottenham player said: "I felt great disappointment. I believe I put in the necessary effort to be part of this group. Now, the decision is final. The coach makes his decisions, and I will experience this tournament as a fan."

He added: "I feel disappointed, but that's all there is to it, let's move on to what's more important. There are more important things in life. This will allow me to work more at the club level and refocus on myself and the team as a whole."