Victory against Botswana left a strange taste. On the ground, Algeria has provided the essentials. But in the stands, the absence of a player has been much more talked about than the match itself.
The scene surprised everyone.
While Algeria struggled to find the flaw against Botswana, Two of the biggest offensive talents of the new generation of Fennecs, Hadj Moussa and Ibrahim Maza, were seated in the stands. A decision that is difficult to understand in view of the lack of creativity of the team. But for one of them, this absence was not a simple sporting choice. It was a sanction.
Ibrahim Maza, the absent surprise
This punished player is Ibrahim Maza. According to Insider Abdellah Boulma, the 19 -year -old prodigy was not aligned “For extra-sporting reasons”. Information that set fire to the powder, and which contrasts violently with the lunar communication of Vladimir Petkovic after the match. Asked about these absences, the coach simply replied that there was
“6 or 7 players at their post”. A justification that does not deceive anyone.
This sidelining, even if it is presented as a measurement
“Taken in the player's interest”, is a first strong signal sent by the new coach. He shows that he will not hesitate to do without his best talents if the discipline is not there. But this choice is also a very risky bet.
Petkovic already under pressure
We knew the character, a little “perched” during his missed passage in Bordeaux. This new outing will not arrange its popularity rating in Algeria. Many already criticize him for being disconnected from the realities of the selection and not to know the reserve that he has at his disposal. By voluntarily depriving himself of two dynamitors like Maza and Hadj Moussa while his team purrs, he gave grain to grind to his detractors.
For the moment, the results are right to the propeller technician. But the balance is fragile. If Algeria ensures its qualification for the World Cup, everything will be forgotten. But at the slightest misstep, especially next Monday against Guinea, its choices and its communication will be scrutinized again. Petkovic wanted to assert his authority. Above all, he managed to put himself considerable pressure on his shoulders.
