Mekhissi-Benabbad akaita kuratidzwa kwake kwekutanga semutambi wechidiki muna 2004, achimhanya pa2004 IAAF World Cross Country Championships, kwaakave wechi61 mumakwikwi evana vadiki, uye pa2004 World Junior Championships kwaakabviswa mumakwikwi e3000 m steeplechase. Akamhanyira mumutambo wemamita 1500 pa2006 European Cup
, kwaakapedza ari wechisere. Mekhissi-Benabbad akamirira France pa 2006 IAAF World Cup, asi akakwanisa kupedza wechisere mumutambo we 1500 m.