DZWatch Exclusive: The Algerian national team, its passionate supporters, and the Algerian media endured a challenging experience during the recent African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025, hosted by Morocco. This experience solidified the Algerian public’s belief in the correctness of the government’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with the neighboring country.
A series of incidents during the tournament reinforced the perception of hostility and confirmed what many Algerians already suspected about the Moroccan regime.
1. Fabricated Allegations of Defacing Royal Image: Moroccan media outlets falsely accused the Algerian delegation of covering up a portrait of King Mohammed VI in their hotel. This baseless claim mirrored a similar accusation previously leveled against the Algerian women’s national team, alleging they had covered the logo of the Moroccan Football Federation. These were demonstrably false and intended to incite public anger within Morocco against Algeria.
2. The Absurd ‘Dried Fruit Theft’ Accusation: In one of the more bizarre episodes, a Moroccan media outlet accused Algerian player Adel Boulbina of stealing dried fruit from the hotel after a video surfaced showing him putting some in his pocket. The truth is that these fruits and nuts were part of the Algerian team’s dietary provisions, brought from Algeria. This incident highlighted the extent to which certain elements were willing to go to discredit the Algerian team.
3. Deliberate Obstruction of Ticket Access: Algerian fans faced significant hurdles in acquiring match tickets, despite many stands remaining partially empty throughout the tournament. The online ticket platform was reportedly and deliberately blocked for Algerian users, effectively preventing them from supporting their team.
4. Alleged Referee Bias: The quarter-final match against Nigeria was marred by questionable refereeing decisions. A clear handball by Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi inside the penalty area was ignored by the referee, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) remained silent. Many Algerians believe this was a deliberate attempt to prevent Algeria from progressing in the tournament.
These events, among others, have strengthened the conviction among Algerians that the decision to cut ties with Morocco was justified, given what they perceive as systematic antagonism and disrespect.
