Delort: I couldn't sleep after receiving Algeria call-up

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Apr 15, 2020. 11:00

Algeria international Andy Delort could not sleep after receiving a national call-up ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

The France-based striker replaced Haris Belkebla whom a few days prior was suspended from the team by coach Djamel Belmadi.

Stade Brest midfielder Belkebla was suspended for a mooning incident that happened live on fellow teammate Alexandre Oukidja’s Fortnite Video stream.

Delort went on to help the Desert Foxes clinch the 2019 AFCON title – featuring in five matches.

“I told my wife and all my family. I did not sleep overnight,” Delort told Lequipe.

“It was extraordinary! I couldn’t close my eyes. I didn’t want to miss the plane, I arrived two hours early.

“And in addition, do you imagine the story behind? You win the Africa Cup of Nations. All of this is a fairy tale.”

The Montpellier HSC centre forward has since made six appearances for Algeria and hit the back of the net once.

He has also scored nine goals in 29 French Ligue 1 matches for Montpellier this season which has been suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.