Karim Benzema makes his first visit to the country of his origin, Algeria, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, where he is expected to enjoy some days from professional football.
Benzema was seen having a hearty time in the camp of the Algerian national team, as they engaged in qualification matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Karim Benzema In Algeria
Karim Benzema got a warm welcome from the manager of the Desert Warriors, Vladimir Petkovic, with players of the national team also delighted by his presence.
The Al Ittihad attacker was handed the country’s jersey, with his name imprinted on it, and he also posed for pictures with several team members.
Benzema was captured in a broadcast video made by the Algerian Football Federation, with the former Real Madrid man expressing his reason for visiting the national team.
He said: “This is my first time here, my first time in Algeria, so I was asked to come and visit the national team.”
The 2022 FIFA Ballon d’Or winner also indicated that the players were in good condition to prosecute their qualification matches against Guinea and Uganda on June 6, 2024, and June 10, 2024.
Benzema added: “I saw the players; they look in good form. I hope they have a good match and win on Thursday, Inshallah.”
Karim Benzema alongside Zinedine Zidane and Nabil Fekir have Algerian roots and they could have played for the country but opted to represent the national team of France.
Anyway, Benzema still maintains strong ties with the country of his father, Hafid Benzema, and his mother, Wahida Djebbaram.
The Striker Witnessed Algeria’s Defeat To Guinea
Moreover, it was announced that Karim Benzema would be present at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki for Algeria’s clash against Guinea.
The ex-Olympique Lyon man did well to be in attendance for the encounter, with Vladimir Petkovic’s side losing at their home turf to Guinea by 1-2.
Morlaye Sylla scored the opening goal of the game to put Guinea ahead before Yasser Balde netted an own goal to bring the hosts level.
Three minutes after the hour mark, Aguibou Camara poked Guinea’s noses in front, with Kaba Diawara’s side ultimately securing the much-needed win.
Algeria still occupy the summit of Group G, with 6 points from 3 matches, winning 2 games and losing 1.
Guinea also sit closely behind the Dessert Warriors, having won an equal number of matches and lost 1 as well.
They sit 2nd on the standings due to a lesser healthier goal difference of +1, compared to Algeria’s +3.
Botswana sit 3rd in the group with 3 points, while 4th and 5th placed Uganda and Mozambique have also secured 3 points.
Somalia are the minors in the group, as they sit bottom with no points from 2 matches played thus far.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Petkovic’s side return to action on Monday, June 10, 2024, facing Uganda as earlier indicated and they will be looking to return to winning ways at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The Round 4 game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been slated to commence by 05:00 PM (WAT).
