Monday 24 February 2025 
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– The Franco-Algerian journalist, Samia Benyounes, sat down with “Dzair Tube,” an electronic channel, for an in-depth interview that touched on various aspects of her career and her love for football. During the conversation, she expressed her passion for Algeria, its national team, and her belief that the country deserves to embrace the honor of hosting the African Cup of Nations in 2025.
Born in Tlemcen, Samia’s bond with Algeria runs deep. After living in the capital for three years, she made a decision that set her apart from other dual nationals—she returned to Algeria with a determination to work and immerse herself fully in the country’s culture. Samia emphasized the importance of knowing Algeria beyond the summer holiday season, truly understanding its way of life, and discovering its identity.
Football has been a driving force in Samia’s life, a passion she inherited from her father. Fond memories of watching football matches with him, sharing pizza, and witnessing legendary players like Ronaldinho in action ignited her love for the sport.
Her journey in football journalism began by interviewing Algerian figure Ramy Bensebaini, which further solidified her connection to the country’s football scene. Her first experience in Algerian stadiums left an indelible impression on her, particularly the exceptional atmosphere during the final match with USMA.
Discussing Algeria’s recent track record of hosting events, Samia praised the country’s level of organization. The successful Mediterranean Games and CHAN showcased Algeria’s capability to host international events, with foreigners expressing surprise and delight at the country’s warm reception.
When asked about Algeria’s chances of hosting CAN 2025–2027, Samia expressed the utmost confidence. She believes that Algeria has all the necessary facilities, stadium capacity, and hospitality to win the honor of organizing the prestigious tournament. According to Samia, the country’s recent achievements and successful organization of previous events make it the most deserving candidate.
In the realm of football, Samia’s favorite Algerian player is none other than Riyad Mahrez. The Manchester City star’s accomplishments in the English Premier League and his ability to shine in a highly competitive environment fill her with pride, knowing that he represents Algeria on the international stage.
Regarding the Algerian national team under the guidance of coach Djamel Belmadi, Samia applauded his efforts in creating team cohesion and building trust among the players. Despite facing challenges, she believes Belmadi has the potential to lead the team to further success and deserves the continued trust and support of the Algerian football community.
Discussing Algeria’s chances of winning CAN 2024, Samia emphasized the importance of hard work and showing resilience. Despite being one of the best teams in Africa on paper, she acknowledged that football can be unpredictable and that success requires consistent dedication and focus.
The interview took an emotional turn as Samia discussed her experiences during the Arab Cup final, where her husband was a key member of the Tunisian national team. Although she firmly supports Algeria in football, she also expressed her desire to see her husband shine and succeed on the field, emphasizing the importance of supporting loved ones in their endeavors.
Samia Benyounes’ passion for Algeria and football shines through her words, as she continues to promote and celebrate the country’s football achievements and its potential to host the African Cup of Nations in the near future. With her love for the game and her journalistic expertise, she remains a prominent figure in both the Algerian and football communities.