Afcon 2023: Algeria part company with coach Djamel Belmadi after group-stage exit

Algeria have parted company with coach Djamel Belmadi, a day after the team’s humiliating exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Their shock 1-0 loss to Mauritania on Tuesday meant the 2019 winners finished bottom of Group D.

Algeria were also knocked out of the 2021 finals at the group stage.

“I met with Djamel and we reached an amicable agreement to dissolve the association,” Walid Sadi, president of Algeria’s football federation, said.

“We thank Djamel for everything he did for the team and wish him good luck in the rest of his career.”

Sadi added their tournament had ended with “a bitter exit” in a series of messages posted on X.

“We apologise to the fans of the national team and the Algerian people after we worked hard and provided ideal conditions for our players to shine,” he added.

Belmadi, 47, took over as coach of the Desert Foxes in August 2018 and signed a contract extension a year ago to remain in the post until 2026.

Born in Paris, Belmadi captained Algeria at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations and, as coach, he guided his country to the Afcon title in 2019 in Egypt amid a 35-match unbeaten run which set an African record.