ORAN — Algerian fans will rejoice as their national team claimed a slender 1-0 win over Guinea in the Foxes’ first of two friendlies. The former African Champions went goalless in the first half. However, they scored the only goal in the closing 15 minutes of the match thanks to an effort from Islam Slimani from a Riyad Mahrez pass.

Djamal Belmadi (Algeria’s coach) had made some interesting call-ups and left out a few key players. Nabil Bentaleb received his first call-up in quite some time, and OG Nice striker Andy Delort was also called to action. On the other hand, long-time No. 1 Rais M’bolhi and Al Sadd forward Baghdad Bounedjah were left out of the 24-man squad for the two friendlies.

French-born Houssam Aouar is also heavily rumored to be switching his nationality to allow him to play for the Algerian National Team. Having no caps in formal competition with France, he is allowed to make the switch. His omission is due to the delay in processing his paperwork to allow him to play for the Foxes. It’s unclear whether or not he will be ready to join his new teammates in preparation for their next friendly against Nigeria.

The game started with an early chance for Guinea as Mohamed Bayo found his way inside the Algerian box before sending his shot over the bar. After that, there was an exit from defender Abdelkader Bedrane, who was replaced by Villareal center-back Aissa Mandi.

Algeria almost drew first blood in the 24th minute after Ismael Bennacer played the ball across the box for Delort. The pass slipped past before a shot from Bilal Brahimi was saved by Ibrahim Kone. Guinea created many chances throughout the first half and hardly gave the Algerians a chance to breathe. While the Foxes had a few chances themselves, the first half ended without a goal.

The second half was much more in Algeria’s favor, with the Foxes being much more productive in the Elephants’ box. Eventually, Belmadi introduced Mahrez in the 66th minute and then brought on Slimani and Mohamed Amoura in the 72nd minute to bolster the attack and find a goal. They eventually found it thanks to Mahrez and Slimani. Mahrez went down his usual right flank and played a low pass to the middle. The ball looked as if it was headed towards Ramiz Zerrouki, but Slimani popped up and sent it into the back of the net, making it his 41st goal for his country. After that, the game died out, and eventually, the ref’s final whistle was signaled.

Algerians will be grateful for the win today, but there is no doubt a sadness behind the smiles today. This is the last international break before the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar will commence.

The Foxes were denied the chance to punch their ticket to return to Qatar, where they won the 2021 Arab Cup after losing on aggregate against Cameroon in the dying moments earlier this year. Having won 1-0 back in Cameroon, all Algeria needed to do was hold on or win the return game in Blida. The game started in Cameroon’s favor as Choupo-Moting scored in the 22nd minute to tie things up for his side. However, Algeria was denied several chances as well as a few goals due to VAR ruling them out.

Eventually, they would score in the 118th minute, only to have their hearts broken in the 124th minute when Karl Toko Ekambi sent an effort in the back of the Algerian net. The game ended 1-2, and Cameroon qualified on away goals. All over, Algerians, Belmadi, and his men were in tears and devastated.

The Algerian FA had sent in an appeal to FIFA and requested a rematch on the grounds that the referee was biased towards a Cameroonian qualification. FIFA reviewed the case and later dismissed it. They upheld the decision to send Cameroon to Qatar. They’ve been placed in Group G with Brazil, Serbia, and Switzerland. Cameroon will face Swizterland first on November 24.

There was a good amount of hesitation from Algerians when Djamal Belmadi was appointed in 2018, but there’s no doubt that they support him through and through today. He brought his nation their first African Cup of Nations after almost 30 years, taking them on a 35-match unbeaten streak, one of the longest in history and the longest any African team has ever had.

In addition, he’s managed to build an impressive team of top players, including Manchester City winger Mahrez, Brest striker Slimani, AC Milan midfielder Bennacer, and so many more. His efforts to bring his team and make them a family are widely recognized, and he always brings a smile to Algerians all over.

His dedication to his country is admired all over, and the people want to see him lead the national team to more success. He is truly a national hero to his people. Belmadi hopes to send his team to the Ivory Coast for the 2023 African Cup of Nations. Algeria currently sits atop Qualification Group F with six points.