Algeria has parted ways with Coach Djamel Belmadi following their unexpected exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The decision came after Algeria’s surprising defeat to Mauritania in the group stage, resulting in the team’s elimination from the tournament.

Algerian Football Federation President, Walid Sadi, announced the coach’s dismissal on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, stating that he and Belmadi reached an amicable agreement to terminate the contract due to the disappointing outcome.

Belmadi’s departure aligns with a trend of coaching changes in the AFCON, as Ivory Coast also removed their coach Jean-Louis Gasset, and Ghana dismissed Chris Hughton after their respective eliminations.

Despite winning their second AFCON title in Egypt in 2019, Algeria’s recent performances have been below par.

In the previous edition in Cameroon two years ago, they exited the competition in the group stage securing just one point and scoring a goal.

The latest AFCON campaign continued the disappointment for Belmadi’s team, drawing their first two group-stage matches against Angola and Burkina Faso but failing to secure the necessary points against Mauritania to progress to the knockout phase.

Following the sacking of Djamel Belmadi, Algeria faces the challenge of rebuilding its soccer team and reclaiming its competitive edge.

The path to bouncing back requires a multifaceted approach.