
Ghoutia Karchouni, a green heart and controlled game
She stepped forward without unnecessary gestures. Control, raised gaze, sharp shot. The ball flew, skimmed the pitch, and ended up in the back of the Botswana net. On the pitch at the Père Jégo stadium in Casablanca, Ghoutia Karchouni had just scored the only goal of the match. This was an important goal, but above all, a goal that says it all. Everything about her return to her roots, everything about her desire to write a new chapter in green and white, at 29 years old.
From the Rhône to Serie A, the Meaning of Progress
Born on May 29, 1995 in Lyon, Karchouni grew up in Pusignan, east of Lyon, where she kicked her first ball. Scouts quickly saw her talent. Olympique Lyonnais opened their doors to her, before she joined Paris Saint-Germain, where she made her professional debut in 2013, at just 18 years old.
In the French capital, the competition was fierce. She learned, adapted, and accepted the challenges that came with the territory. Then she attempted a breakaway to the NWSL, with the Boston Breakers. The trip was brief, the experience was intense. She returned to France and straight to Bordeaux. For four seasons, she became the discreet but indispensable metronome of the Girondins. Clean play, intelligent coverage and reliable game reading.
In 2021, she went to Italy. Inter Milan wanted her, and she won. In Serie A Women, she refined her skills. In the end, she played 47 matches and scored 12 goals before settling in May at Servette FC in Switzerland.
Green as a given
The story could have remained French. But when it came to the time to relaunch her international adventure, Karchouni listened to her instincts. Algeria called her, and she answered. The green jersey became a natural extension of her roots. And from her first start, she scored. Like a sign.
Her goal, against Botswana, was worth three points and more: proof that this player, beyond her resume, can change a match. In the 10th minute, in a tight match, she found the net. A shot from outside the box, firm and surgical. And then the simple celebration. Clenching her fist, looking towards the bench. Like a promise: to lead, quietly, but with faith. "Representing Algeria is very emotional," she says. 'I'm proud of my roots and I want to help this team develop, grow, and aim higher."
A Voice for Others
Her experience, her serenity, and her rich career spanning several continents makes her a role model for the current and new generations. And many are watching her. They see in her what Algerian women's football wants to become: organized, rigorous and demanding. From OL to Inter, via PSG, Boston, and Bordeaux, she is experienced it all. Titles at the youth level (U17 World Cup in 2012, U19 European Cup in 2013), years of building, and doubts too. And she is remembered it all. Today, at 29, Karchouni is the benchmark. One of those players who do not make waves, but without whom nothing holds. And in this TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024, Algeria know that they can count on her.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CAF
13 hours ago
- CAF
Ghoutia Karchouni, a green heart and controlled game
Against Botswana, Servette FC's new midfielder gave Algeria their first victory 1-0 at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. A tight shot, a restrained celebration, a clear symbol. brings an insight on Karchouni – the maestro. She stepped forward without unnecessary gestures. Control, raised gaze, sharp shot. The ball flew, skimmed the pitch, and ended up in the back of the Botswana net. On the pitch at the Père Jégo stadium in Casablanca, Ghoutia Karchouni had just scored the only goal of the match. This was an important goal, but above all, a goal that says it all. Everything about her return to her roots, everything about her desire to write a new chapter in green and white, at 29 years old. From the Rhône to Serie A, the Meaning of Progress Born on May 29, 1995 in Lyon, Karchouni grew up in Pusignan, east of Lyon, where she kicked her first ball. Scouts quickly saw her talent. Olympique Lyonnais opened their doors to her, before she joined Paris Saint-Germain, where she made her professional debut in 2013, at just 18 years old. In the French capital, the competition was fierce. She learned, adapted, and accepted the challenges that came with the territory. Then she attempted a breakaway to the NWSL, with the Boston Breakers. The trip was brief, the experience was intense. She returned to France and straight to Bordeaux. For four seasons, she became the discreet but indispensable metronome of the Girondins. Clean play, intelligent coverage and reliable game reading. In 2021, she went to Italy. Inter Milan wanted her, and she won. In Serie A Women, she refined her skills. In the end, she played 47 matches and scored 12 goals before settling in May at Servette FC in Switzerland. Green as a given The story could have remained French. But when it came to the time to relaunch her international adventure, Karchouni listened to her instincts. Algeria called her, and she answered. The green jersey became a natural extension of her roots. And from her first start, she scored. Like a sign. Her goal, against Botswana, was worth three points and more: proof that this player, beyond her resume, can change a match. In the 10th minute, in a tight match, she found the net. A shot from outside the box, firm and surgical. And then the simple celebration. Clenching her fist, looking towards the bench. Like a promise: to lead, quietly, but with faith. "Representing Algeria is very emotional," she says. 'I'm proud of my roots and I want to help this team develop, grow, and aim higher." A Voice for Others Her experience, her serenity, and her rich career spanning several continents makes her a role model for the current and new generations. And many are watching her. They see in her what Algerian women's football wants to become: organized, rigorous and demanding. From OL to Inter, via PSG, Boston, and Bordeaux, she is experienced it all. Titles at the youth level (U17 World Cup in 2012, U19 European Cup in 2013), years of building, and doubts too. And she is remembered it all. Today, at 29, Karchouni is the benchmark. One of those players who do not make waves, but without whom nothing holds. And in this TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024, Algeria know that they can count on her.


CAF
13 hours ago
- CAF
Karchouni's early strike secures Algeria's opening win over Botswana (1)
Algeria kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Botswana in their Group B opener, thanks to an early strike from Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni. The match, played at the Père Jégo on Stadium night, saw Algeria take control from the outset. Early goals continue to be the order of the tournament so far, as the North Africans broke the deadlock in just the 10th minute when Inès Boutaleb delivered a precise cut-back from the right flank, which Karchouni calmly slotted home to hand the North Africans the lead. Despite the early goal, Botswana showed resilience and created opportunities of their own, registering 10 shots with three on target. However, Algeria's defence held firm, and goalkeeper Chaima Bouheni made crucial saves to preserve the lead. Algeria, who looked firmly in control of much of the proceedings, enjoyed the better attacking statistics overall, finishing with 14 total shots and seven on target. They kept the Botswana defence under constant pressure but were unable to extend their advantage. As the match entered its final minutes, Botswana pushed for an equaliser, but Algeria's organised backline and timely interventions ensured they claimed all three points. The win sees Algeria make an encouraging start to Group B, while Botswana will be left ruing missed chances but can take positives from a competitive performance against one of the group's favourites. Botswana will need to put the disappointment behind them when they face the Super Falcons on Thursday, while Algeria will look to continue with their form when they take on Tunisia.


CAF
a day ago
- CAF
2024 Women's AFCON – DR Congo - Senegal: A High-Risk Reunion of Comparable Ambitions
The moment of reckoning is approaching. This Sunday at 3 p.m. (local time), the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia will host a meaningful and historic clash between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal. A clash between two teams that, while not favourites for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024, are determined to defy the odds in a tough Group A. For the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is a grand return after a 12-year absence; for Senegal, it's a long-awaited confirmation after a convincing last edition. Two intertwined histories This is only the second time that the DRC and Senegal have met at the WAFCON finals. In 2012 in Malabo, the Leopardesses won 1-0 thanks to a Lucie Nono penalty in the 74th minute. At the time, neither nation had advanced beyond the first round, beaten by South Africa and Equatorial Guinea. 12 years later, the two teams find themselves in very different circumstances, but with the same ambition: to carve out a place for themselves in the African Women's Football scene. Since this Congolese success, the balance has tipped in favour of the Senegalese. In July 2024, the Lionesses of Teranga won two friendly games against DR Congo in Thiès (1-0, 2-0), demonstrating a reverse dynamic and an increasingly structured Senegalese national team. Hervé Happy: "We're here to do things, not to try." On the Congolese side, the message is clear, assertive, and straightforward. Hervé Happy, the Leopardesses' coach refuses to be overly formal. "When I get on a plane, I want a pilot who lands. I do not want a guy who says, 'I'm going to try. I'm not here to try, I'm here to do." The objective is strong, and the determination is straightforward. For the tactician, this WAFCON is one step towards the larger process leading up to the 2026 edition. But there is no question about wasting the current opportunity. "The preparation was complicated, but now we are here. We are in the competition – focused and ready to make our country proud." The DR Congo is returning to the WAFCON for the fourth time in their history having debuted in 1998 before returning in 2006 and 2012. Their best performance remains third place in 1998. Since then, the Leopardesses have disappeared from the radar. But this year, signs of a rebirth are there, starting with TP Mazembe's continental triumph in the CAF Women's Champions League last November. A victory on Moroccan soil that inspired an entire team. Senegal, the rise to power For Senegal, this WAFCON marks their third appearance in a final tournament after 2012 and 2022. It was a difficult start: zero points, zero goals scored in Equatorial Guinea 12 years ago. But their progress since is visible. In 2022, the Lionesses of Teranga made it past the first round, with victories against Uganda (2-0) and Burkina Faso (1-0), before falling to Morocco and then Zambia in the quarterfinals (1-1, 2-4 on penalties). Coach Mame Moussa Cissé at the helm of this team since 2019 wants to sustain this momentum. "We have learned. We know our team better, the competition better. This year, we come with the desire to write a new page in the history of Senegalese women's football." The ambition is clear: to go further than the quarterfinals In a group that also includes the host country Morocco, every match will count double. Barème Babou, the powerful Senegalese midfielder, knows this. "We get along well together, we are united. Against the DRC, it will be tough. We respect them. But we shall give 200%." The numbers support her point. Senegal has conceded only two goals in five matches at the WAFCON 2022. And above all, they have shown a mental and defensive solidity that can make the difference. Ndeye Awa Diakhaté scored Senegal's first-ever goal in the finals during the opening match against Uganda in 2022. Since then, the Lionesses have felt they have the right to compete in the big leagues. On paper, Senegal seems more structured, more consistent. But the DRC has the element of surprise, the emotional intensity of a long-awaited comeback, and a generation carried by the spirit of TP Mazembe.