Football | Afcon 2017

Ismael Bennacer

Arsenal youngster replaces Taider

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12 January 2017, 19:19

Algeria head coach Georges Leekens has handed a shock call to Arsenal youngster Ismael Bennacer to join his team for the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
The 19-year-old takes the place of AS Bologna midfielder Saphir Taider who suffered a groin injury on Wednesday while training with the Foxes just ahead of their trip to Gabon for Afcon 2017.
The teenage midfielder, who was born in France, once played for the French Under-18 side and has been described as a talented player. His father was born in Algeria while his mother was born in Morocco, meaning he was qualified to play for either of the two top teams.
However, Algeria were the first to approach the youngster who played his first competitive match in September against Lesotho in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier just a month after being cleared.
Algeria are in Group B alongside Tunisia, Senegal and Zimbabwe.
The Foxes open their campaign against Zimbabwe in Franceville, Gabon, this Sunday.