Djamel Belmadi, the coach of Algeria's national football team, has tendered his resignation in the wake of the team's early elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations for the second consecutive time in the group stage.
Wali Sadi, the president of the Algerian Football Federation, announced on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached to terminate Belmadi's contract. The decision follows the team's "bitter elimination" from the tournament on Tuesday.
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, President Sadi expressed gratitude to Coach Djamel Belmadi for his contributions to the team and extended wishes for success in his future endeavors. The resignation marks a turning point for Algerian football, as the national team faces a period of reflection and potential restructuring.
Belmadi had guided Algeria to success in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where they emerged as champions. However, the recent disappointing performance has led to a reassessment of the coaching staff.
Algeria's unexpected exit from the tournament has stirred discussions about the challenges and expectations facing football teams on the continental stage. The decision to part ways with Belmadi reflects the high standards and aspirations held by football federations, particularly those with a history of success.
As the football community absorbs this development, attention now turns to the search for a new coach who can guide the Algerian national team through the next phase of competitions and strive for a resurgence in their performance on the African football stage.