Tunisia's Rafik Halliche to retire

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Sep 05, 2019. 18:31

Rafik Halliche, who featured in two World Cups for Algeria, will bring the curtain down on his career on Monday when he features for the African champions for the last time in their friendly international against Benin.

The centre back, 33, has announced his retirement from international football after helping Algeria to win the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in July.

But he will be better known for the most number of appearances by an Algerian at the World Cup finals, playing three times in South Africa in 2010 and four times in Brazil in 2014.

He also competed at four Africa Cup of Nations finals, with Egypt 2019 being his last.

He made only one appearance as Algeria were crowned continental champions but has been lauded for his influence in the change room.

Halliche’s outing on Monday will mark his 41st cap for the country but his time in the national team extends back 11 years.

He made his debut in May 2008 when Rabah Saadane called him up for a World Cup qualifier against Senegal.

“I remember the good times. There have been many such as qualifying for my first World Cup in South Africa and the eighth finals in Brazil in 2014,” Halliche told a pre-match press conference.

“I also had the chance to win the Cup of Nations. It was not easy. There are young people in this team who ensure that they are in good hands. I hope the success will continue.”

Halliche is now at Portuguese club Moreirense but has played previously at Benfica and at Fulham in England’s Premier League.