Algeria has decided to part ways with coach Djamel Belmadi on Wednesday, following their untimely exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a surprising turn of events.
Belmadi’s tenure came to an abrupt end after a shocking defeat to Mauritania in their final group stage match in the Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
Algerian football federation president Walid Sadi announced the decision, stating, “I met with national coach Djamel Belmadi to discuss the repercussions of this bitter elimination, and we mutually agreed to end our relationship and terminate his contract.”
The dismissal of Belmadi coincides with a day of coaching changes in the AFCON, as hosts Ivory Coast also parted ways with coach Jean-Louis Gasset midway through the competition, and Ghana decided to relieve Chris Hughton of his coaching duties after their exit.
Algeria, winners of the AFCON title in Egypt in 2019, faced a disappointing group stage exit in the last edition in Cameroon two years ago, managing just one point and one goal.
The current campaign has been equally disheartening for Belmadi’s team, who drew their first two Group D matches against Angola and Burkina Faso. A point against Mauritania in Bouake would have secured their spot in the knockout phase.
The abrupt decision to part with Belmadi reflects the high expectations and aspirations of the Algerian team, who will now be seeking a new direction as they assess their future in international football.
