It’s not easy to admit that you haven’t been good enough. It’s not easy to pick up the pieces when you’ve fallen at the last hurdle. It’s especially difficult to overcome the sort of defeat that Algerian players and supporters had to endure.They could already see themselves in Qatar after Islam Slimani’s goal put them on course to a 2-1 aggregate win at the Bilda Stadium. But then, deep in added time, with virtually the last kick of the game, Karl Toko Ekambi scored for the Indomitable Lions and broke Algerian hearts.This is Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi. And this is what the World Cup means.Cameroonian players dancing and singing a few dozen feet away.Heartbreaking for Algeria. pic.twitter.com/WopgnGU3cI— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) March 29, 2022 The home team coach Djamel Belmadi was weeping on his knees after the final whistle as the Cameroon players celebrated wildly all around. Belmadi has had a torrid year so far. He took the team to the AFCON to defend the title won in 2019, but he failed miserably, ending the tournament in the group stage. Nevertheless, he remained in his post to lead the team to World Cup. And we know how that ended. He rued the lack of concentration so late in the match.”My sadness goes first to my players. For some, it was surely the last chance to go to the World Cup. I don’t know if we failed mentally. Ten seconds from a World Cup, there is an error of concentration and clarity. We created very clear chances to score, we controlled the game and yet we were punished because of those ten seconds.”Ismaël Bennacer vs Cameroon (H) 120 minutes / 8 ground duels won (80%) / 15 recoveries / 4 interceptions / 3 tackles / 1 time dispossessed (90 touches). pic.twitter.com/FYjkdwDhII— Milan Comps (@CompsACM) March 30, 2022 Midfielder Ismail Bennacer posted an emotional message on Instagram, calling the fans to be united and to trust the team in the future.”Football is a magical game, but sometimes it’s cruel and unfair. Like many, I’m devastated following the defeat. But one thing is for sure – I’ll always be proud to fight for you. This defeat hurts and will be difficult to forget, but we will have to turn the page, raise our heads and think about the next challenges. Let’s stay united because better days are coming, and our colours will shine again. We will do everything to give you the happiness you deserve. We won together, we fell together, and we will rise together.”
