Algerian Media Blames Refereeing for AFCON Exit

The Algerian national team exited the Africa Cup of Nations tournament after a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria on Saturday in the quarter-finals, a match characterized by Nigerian superiority and clear control of play.

Algerian media attempted to 'justify' the elimination by 'fabricating' claims that refereeing was responsible for their exit. However, the match saw no controversial incidents, apart from a Nigerian attempt that the referee deemed did not cross the goal line. Despite this, there were no protests from the Nigerians, who accepted the referee's decision and continued playing until they scored two undisputed goals.

The website 'Ennahar Al-Jazairi' ran the headline: 'Controversial Refereeing Decisions End the Greens' Journey in AFCON.' However, the site's report also acknowledged Algeria's shortcomings, stating: 'The second half witnessed a clear physical collapse among the Greens' players, as their tempo significantly dropped, with numerous lost balls and poor positioning, coupled with a lack of real pressure on the opponent. This gave the Nigerians a clear advantage in controlling the match.'

The website added: 'The national team was unable to come back in the score, due to a lack of attacking solutions and inefficiency in front of goal, a disappointing elimination after a lackluster performance in the second half.'

After detailing the Algerian team's 'shortcomings,' the website then highlighted the refereeing, writing: 'The confrontation was not without significant refereeing controversy, as the referee's decisions provoked dissatisfaction among the technical staff and national team players, after he ignored several clear fouls in favor of the Greens, especially in midfield and near the penalty area. This clear bias allowed the Nigerian team to play with greater ease and disrupted the Algerian team's rhythm, which increased the difficulty of coming back in the score and affected the players psychologically and physically, in a match where refereeing was one of its prominent themes.'

The 'Echorouk' website followed a similar line, headlining: 'The Greens' Head-Held-High Exit from a Marrakesh Tournament Rife with Scandals.' It claimed the referee denied the Algerian national team a penalty after a pass from midfielder Fares Chaibi resulted in Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi touching the ball with his hand inside the penalty area (13th minute). Furthermore, it noted the referee's haste in issuing two yellow cards to midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki (15th minute) and forward Mohamed El Amine Amoura (28th minute).