Algeria’s 2022 play-off pain revives 1982 match of shame memories | OneFootball

L'Équipe reports that its L'Équipe explore series, Drame, revisits the 2022 World Cup play-offs that floored Italy, Egypt and Algeria, noting how disputed calls stirred Algerian memories of 1982 and an arranged match between the RFA and Austria.

On 29 March 2022 in Blida, Karl Toko-Ekambi scored in extra time to end Algeria’s hopes of reaching the 2022 finals. They were eliminated by Cameroon in the return play-off despite winning the first leg 1-0.

The pain was sharpened when Islam Slimani’s header, which would have given a cushion, was ruled out. Gambian referee Bakary Gassama, after consulting VAR, disallowed the goal.

Head coach Djamel Belmadi led the outcry over injustice that followed. The sense of grievance echoed a wound that has lingered since 1982.

At their first World Cup, Algeria had beaten the RFA 2-1, the reigning European champions. For the final group game, a 1-0 RFA win over Austria would have sent both through. After the RFA scored in the 10th minute, the match drifted into sterile keep-ball and was labelled the “match de la honte”.

Source: L'Équipe