Djamel Belmadi Resigns Amidst Controversy and Fan Outcry Following Algeria's Early AFCON 2023 Exit

The emotional intensity reached a tipping point as fans attempted to breach the confines of the hotel housing the Algerian delegation. Their target: the FA president, players, and coach Djamel Belmadi. This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted passion and emotional investment that Algerian football enthusiasts have in their national team.

Belmadi's anticipated confirmation of his resignation upon his return to Algeria marks a significant departure from a coaching role that saw him guide the team to victory in the 2019 AFCON. His decision follows a trend, with Gambia's Tom Saintfiet preceding him and Ghana's Chris Hughton also facing dismissal.

Expressing his discontent after the Mauritania defeat, Belmadi alleged that a clear foul on Bounedjah in the penalty area went unnoticed, leading to the team being unfairly denied a penalty. Belmadi, known for attributing blame to referees and asserting match-fixing allegations, claimed that the VAR system did not operate in their favor.

This incident is not the first time Djamel Belmadi has courted controversy with post-defeat accusations. In a similar vein, during the World Cup qualifier in 2022, Algeria accused Gambian referee Bakary Gassama of bias in favor of Cameroon following their 2-1 loss.

As Algeria confronts the aftermath of a disappointing AFCON 2023 campaign, profound questions arise about the future direction of Algerian football and the necessity for introspection within the team and its management. The intersection of Belmadi's resignation, fan unrest, and an international incident has cast a shadow over the nation's footballing landscape, prompting a critical juncture for reflection and reform.