Jamel Belmadi took just over a year to etch his name among the cherished figures in the hearts of Algerian football enthusiasts, orchestrating the return of the Africa Cup of Nations trophy to the Desert Warriors after nearly three decades of absence.
Belmadi, optimistic that this marked the beginning of a series of memorable moments, led Algeria to victory on August 2, 2018, and clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt on July 19, 2019, defeating Senegal 1-0.
However, the subsequent events did not unfold as the national coach had anticipated.
Many believed in Belmadi’s ability to create a legacy of triumphs, given the wealth of talent at his disposal, including players plying their trade in major European leagues.
World Cup Setback
The 2022 World Cup cast a shadow over Belmadi’s tenure in Algeria as the Desert Warriors suffered a dramatic defeat to Cameroon, losing 3-2 in the decisive second leg of the World Cup qualifying playoff, a match that sparked considerable controversy surrounding refereeing decisions.
The absence of Algeria from the World Cup was a shock, given the expectations of a football powerhouse contributing to historic moments, especially with the tournament being hosted in Qatar, allowing for substantial fan support to enhance the artistic and tactical aspects of the game.
Betting on AFCON
The Algerian Football Federation and the national team’s supporters pinned their hopes on Belmadi’s ability to rectify the mistakes of the World Cup setback.
They aimed to bolster the ranks of the Desert Warriors with new elements, targeting victory in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 and qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Belmadi armed himself with a new milestone on March 30, 2023, becoming the first coach to lead the Greens in 51 matches (33 official and 18 friendly), smashing a new record.
His tenure saw 34 wins (67% of total matches), 12 draws (23%), and only 5 losses (10%).
During Belmadi’s reign, the Algerian national team scored 105 goals and conceded 35, making him the longest-serving coach of the Desert Warriors for over four years and seven months.
Fall in Côte d’Ivoire
Once again, Jamel Belmadi’s aspirations were shattered, losing the Algerian Football Federation’s bet and the adoration of the Green supporters with an exit from the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire during the group stage.
The Algerian national team finished at the bottom of their group with only two points, suffering a defeat to Mauritania and drawing with Angola and Burkina Faso, marking an unexpected and disappointing end to their AFCON journey.
