The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has decided to terminate the contract of national team coach Djamel Belmadi following Algeria’s challenging campaign in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The pivotal moment leading to the decision occurred after the Desert Foxes suffered a 1-0 defeat against Mauritania in Bouake on Tuesday, hastening their early elimination from the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.
Despite Belmadi’s contract initially scheduled to run until 2026, the FAF opted to end the agreement prematurely based on the team’s performance in the tournament.
FAF president Walid Sadi announced the decision on Wednesday after a meeting with Belmadi to discuss Algeria’s disappointing group stage exit from the 2023 tournament.
In a tweet, Sadi stated, “We have reached an amicable agreement to end the contract between coach Djamel Belmadi and the Algerian Football Federation. We thank him for everything he has done for the team and wish him good luck.”
Algeria managed two draws in the competition, held 1-1 by Angola and 2-2 by Burkina Faso, before the defeat against Mauritania left them finishing at the bottom of Group D, ultimately sealing their early departure from the tournament.
