The fallout from Algeria's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations at the hands of Nigeria continues to fuel talk shows and political commentary across the country. A recurring theme runs through these discussions: blaming Morocco. DR ‹ › As soon as the final whistle blew in the Algeria–Nigeria match, sealing a 2–0 defeat and Algeria's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, Algerian television channels went in search of a culprit. Unsurprisingly, Morocco quickly filled that role. Across several talk shows analyzing the elimination, the explanation was presented as obvious and unanimous: alleged «backroom deals» and Morocco's supposed influence within the Confederation of African Football. The Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, was accused of being part of a wider conspiracy, with commentators claiming that Algeria had been deliberately kept out of the semi-finals so as not to threaten a Moroccan team portrayed as «destined to win the trophy even before the tournament kicked off». This narrative did not remain confined to TV studios. It soon found echoes in political circles. Minister of Communication Zoheir Bouamama reacted on Facebook by expressing support for the national team, writing: «We all stand with our team and continue to support them as they prepare for the world's most important football event, the World Cup, which will take place in a few months». He went on to express hope that the World Cup would be governed by «fair and honest competition», far removed from what he described as the «disgraceful practices» that have, in his words, tarnished African football, Africans, and the very values of sport. Similar accusations were voiced by Mounir Bouden, leader of the National Democratic Rally, the country's third-largest political party. Speaking at a party meeting, he claimed that the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco had been marred by «serious irregularities», first in refereeing and then in organization. According to Bouden, these alleged flaws had sparked anger beyond Algeria's borders. «I have seen videos from citizens of countries considered close to the Moroccan regime», he said, «who openly stated: if you want to win the cup by force and without fair competition, then take it without us coming to you». Renewed accusations The claims come despite Nigeria's clear superiority on the night. Match statistics show that Algeria managed just three attempts on goal, the first coming in the 80th minute, with none on target. Nigeria, by contrast, dominated possession with 68 percent. Players themselves struck a very different tone. Captain Riyad Mahrez refused to lay the blame on the referee. «The referee wasn't perfect, but that's not why we lost», he said. «We talk a lot about refereeing in football, but the result is above all down to what happens on the pitch». Midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki was equally blunt: «Honestly, we weren't good today. We didn't reach the required level, and we didn't show our usual face. We came up against a strong team». Defender Rayan Aït-Nouri echoed that assessment, saying: «It was a difficult match. Nigeria played very well. We have to correct our mistakes». This is far from the first time Morocco has been blamed for Algeria's sporting disappointments. In the past, Algerian media accused Morocco of influencing the referee during Algeria's decisive World Cup qualifying match against Cameroon in 2022. The allegations even extended to claims that Morocco was somehow responsible for the poor condition of certain Algerian stadiums. Such conspiracy narratives have also surfaced at the highest levels of the state. In a previous televised interview, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune spoke of «those who seek to destroy the Algerian national team after everything it has achieved», adding that Algeria would continue to support its players despite «plots orchestrated by internal and external parties», a remark widely understood as a reference to Morocco.
