Ali Bencheikh

Ali "Alilou" Bencheikh (born November 9, 1955 in "El M'Har" (Bordj Bou Arreridj), Algeria) is a former Algerian footballer player and coach.

Biography

«Alilou», as he was known to the MC Alger fans, was born to a Kabyle family in the village of "El M'har" in the provice of Bordj Bou Arreridj. He made his first team debut as a midfielder for MCA at age 17 and went on to win many trophies and awards on the way, including the clubs only African Champions Cup in 1976. He was a member of the Algerian team at the 1982 World Cup and was very close to signing for French club FC Nantes before the move was blocked by then Algerian president Houari Boumedienne.

Club career

* 1973-1988 MC Alger ALG

Honours

Country:
* Played in the 1982 FIFA World Cup
* Played in the 1982 African Cup of Nations
* Won the gold medal at the 1978 All-Africa Games
* Won the bronze medal at the 1979 Mediterranean Games [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesm/medgames79.html]
* Has 63 caps for the Algerian National Team

Club:
* Won the African Champions League once with MC Alger in 1976
* Won the Maghreb Cup Winners Cup once with MC Alger in 1974
* Won the Algerian League 4 times with MC Alger in 1975, 1976, 1978 and 1979
* Won the Algerian Cup 2 times with MC Alger in 1976 and 1983

Personal:
* Voted as the runner-up for the 1978 African Footballer of the Year award
* Voted as third for the 1976 African Footballer of the Year award