From our special correspondent in Bouaké – Two years after the disaster in Cameroon, Algeria was again eliminated in the first round of the CAN after a defeat against Mauritania (1-0). France 24 handed the microphone to the players after the match. Only Aïssa Mandi and Ahmed Touba explained themselves.
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Who to take responsibility for the pitiful Algerian elimination in 1er tour for the second African Cup? Coach Djamel Belmadi tried to find justifications in the conference explaining that his team had not been realistic when realizing its opportunities.
When entering the mixed zone, the players of the Algerian team had their heads down. Stunned, they preferred to pass without saying a moment. Some executives, such as Riyad Mahrez, Youcef Belaili and Baghdad Bounedjah even preferred the back door to have to introduce themselves.
Just after apologizing to the supporter, defender Aïssa Mandi tried to find the words in front of the press. Only the young Ahmed Toubaa does the same
Read alsoCAN Recap: Algeria on the mat, whose turn?
Aïssa Mandi, defender: “It’s a disillusionment. It’s a dejection. We are stunned by this exit from the CAN, so premature. We didn’t expect it at all. We have done everything we can since December. We have been one of the first teams to prepare to be as good as possible physically and mentally for this CAN. Unfortunately, it didn’t work today.
We had 20 shots on goal in the three matches. There were penalties that came at the wrong time. We will keep our thoughts and we will do the analyzes cold. Hot like this, we just have to accept and say that this is not what we wanted to do… And that the future will be better.
We feel like whatever we do, it doesn’t work. We can shoot 25 times, there is always something: a hand, a foot, a post, an uncalled penalty… We tried everything and we left everything on the pitch to qualify, or at least equalize, but that didn’t work.
We feel capable of doing much better but unfortunately it doesn’t work, that’s how it is. It’s football.”
Ahmed Touba, defender: “We felt a lot of pain, sadness… We had goals and we didn’t achieve them. I’ve been in the group for two years, and whether we’re on the pitch or on the bench , we are all concerned. We are all sad. It’s not anyone’s responsibility, it’s everyone’s. It’s up to us to move.”