Algeria have arguably been the revelation of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and the first-time quarterfinalists have Ghoutia Karchouni to thank for their unprecedented performance.
Algeria have been impenetrable defensively -- one of only two sides, along with Nigeria, to progress without conceding a goal in the group stage -- but they've scored only once, with 30-year-old Karchouni netting a fine 10th-minute winner in their opening fixture against Botswana.
That was only their third Nations Cup victory -- and their first in 11 years.
Karchouni played for France at youth level, and is a relative newcomer to the African scene, having opted to represent Algeria only in 2023 in order to "reconnect with [her] roots." She has no shortage of pedigree, as an Under-17 World Cup and Under-17 Euros winner with France, and she's quickly demonstrated her quality in her maiden WAFCON appearance.
"I'm very happy with my decision, I feel like I have my place here with the Algeria squad," Karchouni told ESPN. "My family are delighted, and even my grandmother is following the national team's results now even though she doesn't like football.
"Football is football wherever you find it. The only challenge for me has been mastering the Arabic language; I've been working very hard on this with my teacher."
Born in Lyon, Karchouni represented her hometown club briefly before signing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, making her debut as an 18-year-old. She also represented Bordeaux for four years following a brief stint in the United States with NWSL club Boston Breakers.
She signed for Internazionale in 2021, but suffered a setback last year when she had surgery to repair an ACL injury. Ahead of the WAFCON, she agreed terms to join Swiss Super League side Servette Chênois, bringing to a close her spell in Italy, where she scored approximately once every four games from midfield.
Based on her performances at the WAFCON, there are few lingering after-effects from her extended injury layoff, with Karchouni bringing bullish drive, energy and technical prowess to the Algerian midfield.
Her winner against Botswana, racing late into the area to slam home a powerful left-footed drive after Ines Boutaleb 's smart cutback, was further evidence of the brooding threat she offers from deep for Les Fennecs.
She celebrated by lifting her jersey to reveal a t-shirt with the Italian motto 'Non cambiare, mai cara', translating to 'Never change, my darling'; she explained the significance of her message to ESPN.
"It was an advice I was given once, and something I'd like to pass on from my side as well: Be proud of what we are, don't change to please others, stay loyal to our values and our convictions, even if they lead us to be misunderstood. As long as we understand oneself, it's enough."
Karchouni has begun to thrive in African football, maintaining her individuality and footballing instincts, even though her transition has required some adaptation and re-learning. "Africa has opened my eyes," she said. "There are many people playing here just to survive, whereas, elsewhere, it's more for the passion. The conditions in Africa still need to be developed, but what is missing in infrastructure is compensated for with their hospitality, heart and kindness."
Algeria are underdogs in their quarterfinals against Ghana in Berkane on Saturday, as the Black Queens flexed their muscles with a 4-1 demolition of Tanzania in their final group game on Monday. Karchouni, however, remains quietly confident that Algeria's impregnable defence can keep the West Africans at bay.
"There's no secret, it's hard work," she said. "We've worked so hard on this [defensive] aspect, and today we're reaping the fruits of our work."