Algeria coach Belmadi steps down after AFCON elimination

Algerie Presse Service reported on Wednesday that Djamel Belmadi (47), the coach of Algeria, informed his players about his decision to resign following their elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Tuesday.

No official statement has been released by Belmadi or the Algerian football federation. However, according to the news agency, Belmadi made the announcement in the changing room after Algeria's surprising 1-0 defeat to Mauritania in Bouake on Tuesday. This tournament has already seen several unexpected upsets.

During the post-match press conference, when asked about his future, Belmadi responded, "I will inform you when we return to the country."

Algeria was scheduled to leave Bouake later on Wednesday.

Belmadi is the third coach to leave their position within hours at the tournament in the Ivory Coast. Tom Saintfiet of Gambia resigned, and Ghana announced the dismissal of Chris Hughton.

Belmadi led Algeria to victory in the 2019 Cup of Nations in Egypt. However, in the past two editions, his team has finished last in their opening round group.

Additionally, they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, losing on the away goals rule in a play-off against Cameroon.

Despite these recent setbacks, Belmadi has managed to hold onto his job. Algeria had high expectations for the Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast due to their strong squad.

However, they were held to draws by Angola and Burkina Faso in their first two Group D matches before suffering their first-ever loss to Mauritania, a team ranked 75 places below them.

Belmadi expressed his frustration after the Mauritania match, stating, "The only thing that was missing was a goal.

Whenever they had a half chance, they scored, but we failed to capitalize on our chances. That's the unpredictable nature of football."

Belmadi, a French-born player who represented Algeria and had successful spells at Manchester City and Paris St Germain, has an impressive managerial record.

Since his appointment in 2018, he has lost just seven out of 67 matches. Under his guidance, the team has emerged victorious in 43 of those games.