<div id="attachment_370014" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-370014" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Stringer/picture alliance via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League is especially prominent over recent years. Egyptian side Al Ahly’s back-to-back titles is just the beginning.</p>
<p>From Cameroonian club dominance to Al Ahly’s impressive successes, the CAF Champions League produces remarkable moments. Africa’s premier club soccer tournament developed numerous soccer stars like Vincent Enyeama and Hossam Hassan. It gives clubs from all over Africa a chance to show their skills.</p>
<p>Yet, North African clubs own a monopoly over the CAF Champions League in recent years. Since 2016, elite North African clubs triumphed in the premier club tournament on the continent. This season, Al Ahly enters as the two-time holders of the competition.</p>
<p>The stranglehold by the region is not simply quality or commitment discrepancies. As seen, AFCON, as well as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/31/the-joy-of-watching-non-league-soccer-and-cup-upsets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other club competitions</a>, can <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/16999874" target="_blank" rel="noopener">produce underdogs</a> that bring trophies home.</p>
<p>The differences lie elsewhere in regards to North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League.</p>
<h3>Explaining North Africa’s dominance in the competition</h3>
<p>For reference, we designate Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Libya as North Africa. These are the nations that span the Mediterranean Sea and fall under the Union of North African Football, or UNAF.</p>
<p>North African club soccer certainly trumps other African clubs. In the competition’s near-60-year history, North African clubs won 33 titles, more than all other nation’s clubs combined. Trophies are one thing. The debate stems from <em>how</em> the North African sides dominate.</p>
<p>The simple answer would be to say skill or quality. Looking at the African Cup of Nations, UNAF nations do hold a lead in terms of number of champions. Egypt (7), Algeria (2), Morocco (1) and Tunisia (1) account for 11 titles. UNAF has more than any other region of Africa.</p>
<p>This is impressive, yes, but it is only a narrow lead over West Africa’s 10 titles and Central Africa’s eight. Meanwhile, the club scene runs through North Africa, and that much is undisputed.</p>
<h5>North African clubs standing out</h5>
<p>Journalist Maher Mezahi writes this dominance on the club scene exists because of the funding of North African sides.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The simple truth is that many North African clubs possess sizeable budgets, allowing for the construction of infrastructure and better player acquisition,”</em> he wrote in a <a href="https://mg.co.za/article/2019-04-30-the-secret-of-north-africas-football-dominance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 article</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p>North Africa has more private investors investing in clubs so teams can spend more. Club infrastructure via training grounds and stadiums draws in players. Of course, these facilities are wildly expensive for the most lavish of options. Many African clubs do not have the funding to support something of this nature.</p>
<p>Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager Pitso Mosimane told KICKOFF <a href="https://www.kickoff.com/news/articles/world-news/categories/news/caf-champions-league/mamelodi-sundowns-coach-pitso-mosimane-e/593965" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his thoughts</a> on North African clubs’ dominance.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The big thing about North Africans is all about the intimidation. It is about how the officials handle the stress and the pressure,”</em> Mosimane said.</p></blockquote>
<p>Fan bases in North Africa are very energetic and sometimes hard to handle.</p>
<p>North Africa’s dominance comes from a mix of both money and intimidation. On one hand, money and marketing impact how rosters are made up. Therefore, better talent, players, coaches and facilities can be intimidating to those on the outside.</p>
<p>Yet there are countless other reasons too. They range from the popularity of soccer to the corruption that plagues football associations.</p>
<h3><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-370572 size-full" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220210_WST_365991_CAF-Champions-League-Trophy.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=900" alt="CAF Champions League trophy" width="1200" height="900" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-300x225.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-600x450.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-150x113.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></h3>
<h3>Hope for the underdogs and outliers</h3>
<p>There is hope for Africa’s sub-Saharan sides.</p>
<p>This era draws comparisons to when the Congo dominated in the 1960s and Cameroon’s success in the 1980s. The current period exemplifies North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League.</p>
<p>Other clubs need to adapt now more than ever. Although North Africa’s dominance looks near insurmountable, there are examples of how to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/caf-champions-league/story/4001768/how-mamelodi-sundowns-became-the-caf-champions-leagues-trickiest-customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take down some of Africa’s mightiest fighters</a>.</p>
<h5>Breaking down the groups</h5>
<p>Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of North African clubs. The CAF Champions League includes defending champions Al Ahly, famed club Raja Casablanca, and more. However, no one expected how dominant North Africa would be in qualifying. Half of the teams in the group stage, eight out of 16, are North African.</p>
<p>Clubs from North Africa do not just reign in quantity but also quality. North African teams form the top-five sides for seeding. Essentially, UNAF clubs held the highest places in CAF’s five-Year Ranking. The best four associations, according to the CAF five-year ranking, are from North Africa. This, yet again, reaffirms North Africa’s dominance.</p>
<p>North Africa’s power is unparalleled, but some teams could lift the trophy in this campaign.</p>
<h5>Preview</h5>
<p>Al Ahly is the favorite to take home the CAF Champions League trophy. Coming off two consecutive Champions League victories, Al Ahly is also a domestic powerhouse. Fellow Egyptian side Zamalek, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Tunisian titleholders Esperance Tunis could also take the title.</p>
<p>Yet numerous sleeper candidates pose problems to the perennial contenders. Sides like AmaZulu from South Africa or Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel will be problematic for the pre-established elite. Horoya AC will also cause trouble in a field full of fascinating sides.</p>
<p>On beIN Sports, many players will show their skills and attract the attention of clubs from other continents. Malian international <a href="https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/aliou-dieng-malis-midfield-metronome/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aliou Dieng</a> will be among those players. Dieng, who earned 20 caps for his native Mali, is one of the continent’s best players at club and international level. The defensive midfielder is akin to a brick wall.</p>
<p>Another player to look out for is Namibia’s Peter Shalulile. Shalulile leads Mamelodi Sundowns’ front line in this CAF campaign. Shalulile terrorized the South African Premier League all season and will look to repeat his feats in this campaign.</p>
<h5>Getting things started</h5>
<p>beIN SPORTS holds the rights to broadcast the CAF Champions League in the United States. The tournament kicks off on Friday, Feb. 11, with games running into the weekend.</p>
<p>beIN SPORTS puts these games on its extra channels, such as beIN SPORTS Connect 2 or beIN SPORTS Connect 3. Therefore, beIN SPORTS Connect is a viable option to watch these games, as is something like <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">fuboTV</a>.</p>
<p>Here are some of the notable games in the first matchday to get North Africa’s dominance started in the 2022 edition of the CAF Champions League. All times are U.S. Eastern Time.</p>
<p><strong>Friday, Feb. 11</strong></p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) vs. CR Bélouizdad (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>1:50 a.m. — Wydad AC (Morocco) vs. GD Sagrada Esparanca (Angola) — beIN SPORTS Connect 5</p>
<p><strong>Saturday, Feb. 12</strong></p>
<p>7:50 a.m. — Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) vs. Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Horoya AC (Guinea) vs. ES Sétif (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Zamalek (Egypt) vs. Petro Atlético (Angola) — beIN SPORTS Connect 5</p>
<p><strong>Sunday Feb. 13</strong></p>
<p>7:50 a.m. — Coton Sport FC (Cameroon) vs. Al Masry (Egypt) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Pyramids (Egypt) vs. Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Orlando Pirates (South Africa) vs. JS Saoura (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>1:50 p.m. — CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) vs. Zanaco (Zambia) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>1:50 p.m. — RS Berkane (Morocco) vs. USGN (Niger) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>


The CAF Champions League is a dramatic tournament among the continent's best clubs, but North Africa's dominance persists entering 2022.

North Africa's dominance entering the CAF Champions League - World Soccer Talk

North Africa's dominance entering the CAF Champions League

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>The AFCON 2021 schedule of games shape up to be yet another dramatic international tournament in one of the most diverse areas. Originally, CAF scheduled the tournament for the summer of 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the tournament to early 2022. Regardless, the tournament still carries its importance (and the 2021 moniker).</p>
<p>Soccer players have the opportunity to accomplish honorable things throughout their careers. Club titles are great, but players move around frequently in the modern era. The biggest honor for an international soccer player is to represent their nation in the FIFA World Cup. However, other international competitions are not far behind.</p>
<p>The African Cup of Nations, commonly referred to as AFCON, features all the makings of a great tournament. World class talents, wonderkids, good coaching and teams constantly on the world’s stage.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the focus ahead of AFCON 2021 revolved around clubs preventing players from participating. Additionally, certain pundits question the validity of the event and its <a href="https://www.eurosport.com/football/africa-cup-of-nations/2022/africa-cup-of-nations-coverage-completely-tinged-with-racism-claims-ian-wright-ahead-of-cameroon-tou_sto8687589/story.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">questionable coverage by European outlets</a>.</p>
<h5>Conflict of Interests among AFCON 2021 schedule</h5>
<p>AFCON and the AFC Asian Cup are the only continental tournaments that take place during the European club campaigns.</p>
<p>In 2019, CAF moved its international tournament to the summer for the first time in history. Initially, Cameroon earned selection as the host for the tournament. However, domestic conflicts and infrastructural issues moved the competition to Egypt. Overall, the event was a success. Algeria defeated Senegal to win their second AFCON title.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/africa-cup-of-nations-tv-schedule/">AFCON 2021 schedule of games on US TV and streaming</a></p>
<p>The move to the summer allowed more people around the world to watch the tournament and bring attention to the Confederation of African Football. However, questionable concerns about the “unfavorable climatic conditions” moved the competition back to January-February.</p>
<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/30/premier-league-stars-set-for-exceptional-africa-cup-of-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European clubs</a> have always been hesitant to send their players overseas in the middle of the season. Teams are overly protective this year, due to COVID-19 continuing to affect the world.</p>
<p>Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is particularly critical of the tournament in the middle of the club season. He will lose Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita until at least late January.</p>
<blockquote><p>“In January, there’s a little tournament in Africa, I just want to say, and I think Asia is playing games, too – South America as well, great, can’t wait.”</p></blockquote>
<p>However, Egypt and Senegal are among the favorites. Therefore, Salah and Mane could be gone until <a href="https://www.thisisanfield.com/2022/01/when-salah-mane-keita-could-return-from-afcon-earliest-and-latest-dates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">February 7</a>.</p>
<h3>AFCON 2021 schedule: The contenders</h3>
<p>Later, Klopp stated the media took his comments out of context. Yet, by that time, damage was done. His players are all in the running for the continent’s best player. Therefore, it is no surprise that his players represent some of the nations expected to be in the running for the competition.</p>
<h5>Egypt</h5>
<p>Salah is currently on the form of his life. The Egyptian scored <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/mohamed-salah/profil/spieler/148455" target="_blank" rel="noopener">23 goals in 26 matches</a> in all competitions. In the Premier League, his 16 goals and nine assists <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/players" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lead both categories</a>. The 29-year-old is in the conversation of greatest African player of all time.</p>
<p>Winning AFCON with Egypt will solidify his place amongst other icons like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré. If Salah can dominate a tournament like Lionel Messi did in the 2021 edition of Copa America, then the <em>Pharoahs</em> will be dangerous.</p>
<p>Egypt last won the AFCON in 2010, before the majority of players currently representing the nation broke onto the stage. In recent years, a trip to the finals is the only top-four finish since that 2010 triumph. However, Egypt remains the most successful side in the history of the competition.</p>
<p>Salah plays a key role in the nation’s quest for its eighth triumph in AFCON 2021.</p>
<h5>Senegal</h5>
<p>The runner-up in 2019 returns with a side even stronger than what performed at the last tournament. The main part of that comes in goal. Edouard Mendy, who mans the area for defending UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea, goes between the posts for Senegal.</p>
<p>In front of Mendy is Kalidou Koulibaly. Koulibaly played to a mediocre 2021 domestically with Napoli. However, recent form with Napoli is strong, helping Luciano Spalletti’s side to <a href="https://www.legaseriea.it/en/serie-a/league-table" target="_blank" rel="noopener">third in the Italian table</a>. He enters the tournament as one of the best defenders in the world.</p>
<p>Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye owns a reputation as a defensive presence in the middle of the pitch. Yet, he does bag the occasional goal with the Parisians. Thus, his prowess adds another dimension to the attack.</p>
<p>The one question mark up top is the status of Ismaila Sarr. Watford prevented its star forward from representing Senegal at AFCON 2021. Among other reasons, Watford does not want to rush Sarr’s return from injury. A knee injury sidelined the winger for two months, something the Hornets do not want to keep a persistent issue. If the 23-year-old can participate, Senegal are the favorites to win their first AFCON.</p>
<h5><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-357847 size-medium" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220105_WST_364907_Mahrez-Algeria-1-300x434.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=434" alt="" width="300" height="434" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-300x434.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-600x869.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-150x217.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-768x1112.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-1061x1536.jpg 1061w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div></h5>
<h5>Algeria</h5>
<p>In the 2010s, Algeria made a case as the strongest African side. Of course, recency bias kicks in as the 2019 AFCON champions.</p>
<p>The reigning champions return most of the players who were triumphant in the last tournament.</p>
<p>At the center of it all is captain Riyad Mahrez. He has been, unsurprisingly,&nbsp; <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/riyad-mahrez/profil/spieler/171424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sensational for Manchester City</a> this season. He leads the team with five Champions League goals. Additionally, domesitc performances put the Algerian on 10 goal contributions in 16 Premier League games.</p>
<p>Along with Mahrez, AC Milan midfielder Ismaël Bennacer, West Ham winger Saïd Benrahma and Napoli forward Adam Ounas provide the Fennec Foxes with the best attack in Africa. They also have a wily veteran who can score scrapy goals in Islam Slimani. Because Algeria will dominate possession in most of their matches, head coach Djamel Belmadi must bring balance to the midfield and backline to prevent teams from utilizing counterattacks against them.</p>
<h5>Cote d’Ivoire</h5>
<p>Ivory Coast lay a claim to possessing the best midfield in the tournament. To start, AC Milan’s Franck Kessie will be one of the most sought-after free agents in the summer. Also, Jean Michael Seri was once regarded as a player who had the technical skills, vision and playmaking ability to play for Barcelona. Instead, he went to Fulham and currently has six assists in the Championship. His play is helping his team stay in the promotion race.</p>
<p>Burnley’s Maxwel Cornet along with Sassuolo’s duo of Jeremie Boga and Hamed Traore gives head coach Patrice Beaumelle a multitude of options.</p>
<p>They also have a strong front line led by Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, Ajax striker Sebastien Haller and Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe. The backline features Manchester United center-back Eric Bailly, Wolves center-back Willy Boly and Villareal right-back Serge Aurier.</p>
<p>Goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo will need to reclaim the form that helped him make AFCON Team of the Tournament in 2015 to give Ivory Coast a chance at winning the competition.</p>
<p>Clearly the Ivory Coast has the names, it just comes down to how well they will mesh on the pitch. The Ivory Coast last won AFCON just three tournaments ago in 2015.</p>
<h5>Other candidates</h5>
<p>Overall, the 33rd edition of AFCON will showcase elite players trying to bring glory and honor to their countries.</p>
<p>Even though there are four teams who are considered heavy favorites, it is possible that a smaller nation can go on a magical run. Just 10 years ago, Zambia stunned the masses en route to its first AFCON crown in 2012. Or, a sleeping giant such as Ghana or Nigeria can become victorious like Cameroon in 2019.</p>
<p>Either way, the AFCON 2021 schedule of games will be must-see TV.</p>
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View our AFCON 2021 schedule to find out which African nation is best set up to win one of the most dramatic competitions

AFCON 2021 schedule: Africa's best battle for top honors - World Soccer Talk

AFCON 2021 schedule: Africa's best battle for top honors

<div id="attachment_357849" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-357849" class="wp-caption-text">Amine Gouiri playing against Marseille. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>Scrolling through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/standings/_/league/fra.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021-22 Ligue 1 standings</a>, you might find some notable surprises. Previously one of the best teams in France, Saint-Etienne has become the dregs of France’s premier league. Lens’s performances set the club above its expectations. Remarkably, with 24 points, the club is on track to finish in a Champions League spot.</p>
<p>Then, there is OGC Nice. The southeastern finds itself in third place, making it a challenger for the Ligue 1 title. Players like Youcef Atal, Jean-Clair Todibo and Mario Lemina all help <em>Les Aiglons</em> with their domestic success. However, Nice’s attacking options continually steal the show.</p>
<p>The man who leads the dynamic attack is Bourgoin-Jallieu-born Amine Gouiri. <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://fbref.com/en/players/aad56ca3/Amine-Gouiri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">With six goals and four assists</a> on the board, the striker is one of Ligue 1’s most-coveted players.</p>
<p>Although he has ties to Algeria, Gouiri spent most of his developmental career at Lyon. After slowly progressing through the academy, he made just eight appearances with the team. Eventually, he flipped to Nice for <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/amine-gouiri/transfers/spieler/418659" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$7.7 million.</a> He was one of the hottest prospects in European soccer, netting numerous times for both club and country.</p>
<p><em>The Guardian </em><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2017/oct/04/next-generation-2017-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football" target="_blank" rel="noopener">branded him as a young talent to watch</a>. Despite all this, Gouiri barely played for his club before leaving for a foreign part of France.</p>
<p>Despite the pressure from the media, he continues to thrive. Now, he garners interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs and prestigious national teams. Here’s how.</p>
<h3>Amine Gouiri success at Nice and France</h3>
<p>Instantly after moving south for Nice, Gouiri proved his worth despite the near-$8 million figure. In his <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://fbref.com/en/players/aad56ca3/matchlogs/2020-2021/summary/Amine-Gouiri-Match-Logs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first match with the team</a>, Gouiri hit two goals past Lens.</p>
<p>He finished his first season with&nbsp;<em>Les Aiglons</em>&nbsp;with a good stat line.&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/amine-gouiri/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/418659/plus/0?saison=2020&amp;verein=&amp;liga=&amp;wettbewerb=&amp;pos=&amp;trainer_id=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">He had sixteen goals with eight assists</a>. Yet, he did more than just that. In Ligue 1, he had a 76% pass success rate and created 121 shots.</p>
<p>FBREF also says that Nice had a greater expected goals with Gouiri on the pitch than without him.</p>
<p>Things look well in Gouiri’s sophomore season at Nice. <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://fbref.com/en/players/aad56ca3/Amine-Gouiri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Already, he racked up</a> 68 shot contributions (tied-1st in Ligue 1), and FBREF reports that he is first in xG with 8.6 on the board. Also, his 18 shots on target is second in Ligue 1.</p>
<p>At the international stage, Gouiri has had success. He was the<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/u17-europameisterschaft-2017/torschuetzenliste/pokalwettbewerb/17CR" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> top scorer of the 2017 UEFA U-17 Euros</a>. He bagged <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/u17-weltmeisterschaft-2017/torschuetzenliste/pokalwettbewerb/1717" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five goals in</a> that tournament. Additionally, he added another four in the <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/u19-europameisterschaft-2018/torschuetzenliste/pokalwettbewerb/U198" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 UEFA U-19 Euros</a>.</p>
<p>Even with the U-21s, Gouiri continues to shine. The Nice star has been an integral element of his side’s attack. Gouiri’s two goals helped France to the top of their <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.uefa.com/under21/standings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023 Euros qualification table.</a></p>
<h5>The Greens or the Blues?</h5>
<p>Gouiri is close to earning his first cap, much like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/01/christopher-nkunku-quietly-developing-into-one-of-europes-most-talented-midfielders/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christopher Nkunku</a> after his stunning performances. The France Football Federation surely took note of Gouiri’s impressive performances at the youth levels. Still, for some reason, the team is yet to call Gouiri up. Players like Nkunku, Illan Meslier, and Allan Saint-Maximin have yet to represent their countries at the senior level.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-357847 alignright" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211120_WST_357844_Mahrez-Algeria-1-300x434.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=434" alt="" width="300" height="434" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-300x434.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-600x869.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-150x217.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-768x1112.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1-1061x1536.jpg 1061w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Mahrez-Algeria-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>The competition is fierce, and Gouiri will likely need to earn more experience in continental competition to earn the cap. It seems to be Gouiri’s goal to play for <em>Les Bleus</em>. Despite lofty expectations, Gouiri put himself on the right track.</p>
<p>However, Amine Gouiri also has the option of playing for Algeria. Without a cap for France and possessing ties to Algeria, playing for the <em>Fennecs</em> could be a real possibility. Algeria is by no means weak. Players like Riyadh Mahrez, Islam Slimani and teammate Andy Delort helped Algeria to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/16/ekambi-takes-cameroon-to-play-offs-at-expense-of-ivory-coast/">final stage of World Cup qualification</a> in Africa.</p>
<h5>PLAYSTYLE</h5>
<p>All of the following stats came from FBREF’s&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://fbref.com/en/comps/13/Ligue-1-Stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">catalog of Ligue 1 stats</a>.</p>
<p>Franco-Algerian talisman Amine Gouiri plays at several different positions. He spent time as a right-winger, second-striker, and even played in the midfield. However, he usually operates as center-forward or a left-winger, using his speed to blow by defenders.</p>
<p>Gouiri is a shifty, elusive, and pacy attacker, drawing comparisons to Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus and Argentine ace Angel Correa. Gouiri has <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://betweenthelines5638.wordpress.com/2021/03/12/amine-gouiri-scout-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">impeccable ball control, often receiving the ball in midfield to help shake off stingy opponents</a><.</p>
<p>He is not someone you want to face in a one-on-one situation. Even while off-balance, he can still pull a rabbit out of his hat and blow by his marker.</p>
<p>Gouiri is solid defensively, but he still has a long way to be labeled defensively elite. His 16 tackles, 11 blocks and four interceptions are solid numbers. Gouiri is also active with his pressing, logging 171 pressures in Ligue 1 matches.</p>
<p>On the other side of the ball, he is an animal. He is tied-first in Ligue 1 with 68 shot-creating actions. Yet, he is dependable in ways outside of pure goal-scoring.</p>
<p>For example, Amine Gouiri has taken 46 corner kicks for Nice (4th in Ligue 1) and has carried the ball into the final third 34 times(6th in Ligue 1). But his impact extends beyond stats. Gouiri helps draw defenders, leaving teammates open for assists. Essentially, defenders must pick their poison when attempting to handle the 21-year-old.</p>
<h3>RECENT GAMES</h3>
<p>Gouiri’s recent games show his brilliance as an attacker and teammate.</p>
<p>Amine Gouiri was up to his old tricks against one of Nice’s most-hated rivals. The striker scored Nice’s lone goal in the 1-1 game with Marseille. Although the original game faced controversy due to <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/ligue-1/2021/08/24/6124df40e2704e52038b45d8.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a crazy pitch invasion from Nice fans</a>, Gouiri proved why the heated rivalry was one of soccer’s most fun to watch. Along with his goal, he shot twice, touched the ball 42 times and had an 80% successful passing rate.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/25/nice-hit-with-stadium-ban-marseille-physio-suspended-after-french-mayhem/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong>Fixture between Nice and Marseille halts due to fan violence on the pitch.</em></p>
<p>In a recent game, Nice beat Angers 2-1. Their victory was influenced by, as usual, Gouiri. He had 66 touches, shot twice, created four shot-creating opportunities, and earned an assist. Although fellow attacker Andy Delort got Man Of The Match honors with his clutch brace, Gouiri also did a lot to neutralize a dangerous Angers side.</p>
<p>In Nice’s 0-1 home loss against 6th-placed Montpellier, Gouiri dipped into his array of tricks. He logged 60 touches, had three shots on target, and also completed 39 passes. Although his side did not pick up any points due to Florent Mollet’s 80th-minute goal, Gouiri still had a good night.</p>
<p>Some might say Gouiri is merely in-form, but&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2020/sep/25/ten-players-debuts-remember-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his Nice debut against Lens</a> and <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/amine-gouiri-nices-savior/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">scouting reports</a>&nbsp;prove otherwise.</p>
<h3>INCOMING TESTS</h3>
<h5>Clermont Foot</h5>
<p>Stade de Gabriel Montpied awaits the third-place Nice side in a clash to affirm Nice’s superiority. Clermont Foot, 15th in Ligue 1, had a hot start before plummeting down the table with loss upon loss. Nice will need a win to challenge Lens for the second place. Gouiri’s good showing will surely attract interest from scouts everywhere. The side will travel to Clermont-Ferrand on Sunday in hopes of earning three points.</p>
<h5>Metz</h5>
<p>Last-place Metz won’t be a big challenge to OGC Nice. However, it could be an opportunity for Nice to overtake Lens in the standings and potentially challenge PSG for the Ligue 1 side. For Gouiri, it’s his chance to move up in different stat rankings. He’s seventh in goals, sixth in assists, ninth in shots and fourth in key passes. A breakout game could get him farther up the board in all of these categories and more. Gouiri will aim to bolster his numbers, and Nice will try to do the same to their ranking on November 28 at Allianz Riviera.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/18/single-minded-messi-targets-strong-finish-to-year-with-psg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>Lionel Messi targeting strong finish to 2021 with PSG.</em></p>
<h5>PSG</h5>
<p>This potential-top-of-the-table clash will either confirm or dispel the notion that OGC Nice is ready for the Champions League. Although they’ve done exceptionally well in Ligue 1, they’ll need to defeat a contender like Paris to cement their status as one of Europe’s elite. Although PSG has been on-and-off in recent games, they still are a better team on paper. Nice will need to show they can win games like this regularly to be a Champions League mainstay.</p>
<p>If Gouiri does well at the Parc des Princes, it will build more interest in him and o attract attention from England, Spain, Italy, and more. Gouiri could even be considered for a call-up if he does well during the club season. Gouiri will try to prove himself in Paris on December 1.</p>
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Among the great young French talents in Amine Gouiri. The 21-year-old Nice player already dominates the statistics of Ligue 1.

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Amine Gouiri dominating Ligue 1 for Nice as a 21-year-old