Djamel Belmadi, Algeria’s national football team coach, apparently tendered his resignation following the team’s disappointing performance at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tournament. Algeria, AFCON 2019 champions, endured a humiliating exit after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of upstart Mauritania in the last group stage encounter, as reported by Beinsports France and RMC Sport.
The resignation was further confirmed by the official Algerian News Agency (APS), which cited an “official source” indicating, “Belmadi officially informed the players of his decision in the locker room immediately after the defeat against Mauritania on Tuesday.”
Speaking to the media after the loss, the coach assumed full responsibility for the situation, saying, “When we are back home, we will see. I totally accept this situation.”
The coach alluded to the end of an era in Algerian football. He did not immediately confirm the decision publicly, but he stated that he intended to first grapple with it privately.
Algerian fans, dismayed by the team’s early elimination, expressed their disappointment as dozens gathered outside the team’s residence in Cote d’Ivoire, demanding Belmadi’s resignation.
Belmadi forfeits the reigns following a series of setbacks, including a failed World Cup qualification and an early exit from AFCON 2021.
The defeat against Mauritania marked Algeria’s sixth consecutive AFCON match without a victory.