“
The sky has fallen on our heads
,” summed up Djamel Belmadi.
The Algerian coach and his players believed they had done the hardest part, Tuesday evening in Blida, by equalizing (1-1) in the 118th minute against Cameroon in extra time during the second leg of the 2022 World Cup. (1-0), the Fennecs were then qualified for the World Cup.
Head scorer, Ahmed Touba thought he had delivered the Algerian people for good.
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Read alsoWorld 2022: "The sky has fallen on our heads", loose Belmadi, "collapsed" after the elimination of Algeria
But the Indomitable Lions were not dead.
After additional time (120th + 5), Karl Toko-Ekambi deceived Raïs M'Bolhi with a low shot (1-2).
Unlike UEFA competitions, the away goal rule still prevails and it is therefore Cameroon who will see Qatar at the end of the year.
The Lions will participate in their 8th final phase.
“
We were never put in danger, never dominated, except on set pieces and those ten seconds
, regretted Belmadi.
The house of cards collapses.
Everyone is shot.
We couldn't see ourselves not going.
How cruel to end like this with 10 seconds left.
You will have to get up.
Algeria is a great nation.
There are still great things to do, with or without me
.
“
When you know you are in danger, you are no longer in danger.
It's when you don't know you're in danger, it's when you're in danger.
That's what it's all about
,” summed up, philosopher, Cameroonian coach Rigobert Song.