“For me, it means a lot to play for Algeria,” said Belloumou. “It’s the first Africa Cup [of Nations] for me, and it’s [being held] just beside our country, so that makes it really special.
“I’m really proud to play for Algeria. I think my family is more proud than me! Half of my family are from Algeria, so they are really proud and happy. They come to watch our games whenever they can. It’s something really special and unique.”
As well as Botswana, nine-time winners Nigeria and Tunisia accompany Algeria in Group B, and the record holders clinched a 3-0 victory in their opening game on Sunday. But Belloumou views all three group-stage opponents equally ahead of Algeria’s return to Stade Père Jégo to face Tunisia on Thursday 10 July (kick-off 5pm BST).
She added: “We cannot say, ‘This team is not good; this team is good,’ because everyone can beat everyone. That makes it really exciting. I think it'll be a tight group stage, but we have a really good team."
During 2024/25, Belloumou spent time on loan at Italian side SS Lazio before joining Swedish club Malmö FF for the second half of the season and thrived for the Damallsvenskan outfit.
Making 14 appearances across all competitions, Belloumou scored a stunning free-kick in her final game for Malmö, helping them clinch a 1-0 victory at home to IF Brommapojkarna to keep them third in the standings ahead of the summer break.”