Chiakha on 'incredible' Algeria debut
F.C. Copenhagen youngster Amin Chiakha made his Algeria debut during the international break as he continued his development following a strong autumn in the danish capital.
Chiakha described his international experience as "incredible" after coming off the bench during a 0-0 draw with Equatorial Guinea. He was an unused substitute for the 5-1 win over Liberia.
"It was an incredible experience," says Chiakha. "I made my debut away from home in Equatorial Guinea. The conditions are not exactly the same as here, but it's something I'm committed to and it's a cool experience to have.
"Unfortunately, I didn't get to play on home soil but it was absolutely incredible all the same. We went out onto the pitch to just feel the atmosphere two hours before. There were already 45,000 people standing there, just singing."
A team full of idols
Chiakha's selection to the national team understandably came with a lot of pride among Chiakha’s family and friends. So much so that the magnitude of his debut may not have really dawned on the striker himself.
“It was great to see my family traveling there. They were incredibly proud," he adds. "I was a little sad that I play at home, even though they traveled there, but they still said they were proud of me, so it was a great experience.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet. There are players like Riyad Mahrez and Said Benrahma. These are people who have played in the Premier League and won the AFCON. It’s the same as if Denmark won the European Championship, so it was incredibly cool."
Although Chiakha's first taste of first-team experience with Algeria is yet to fully sink in, it has given the striker an additional incentive to work even harder for both his country and FCK.
"I was also told that if I'm going to be with the team in the future, I need to play for the club. So it just gives me more incentive to work harder on the training pitch and force my way in."
Parken is calling
Attention now turns to Sunday and a clash with Lyngby BK in Parken, where Chiakha hopes to be able to contribute to a victory.
"It's a match that I'm really looking forward to," he says. "I know I've said that the fans in Algeria are amazing, but playing in Parken is also a huge experience every time. I hope to get on the field and score two again in front of Sektion 12. That's what I dream of!"
The match against Lyngby kicks off at 6pm on Sunday in Parken. Find your seat at billet.fck.dk now!