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. Cafonline.com 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.