Belmadi: “Tackle on Atal Not Normal”

Belmadi has frowned over the tackle on Youcef Atal during Algeria’s 1-0 win over Botswana.

The Desert Foxes are on track in defending their Africa Cup of Nations title they scooped after collecting straight-six points in two games.

Fresh from mauling Zambia, the North Africans also went ahead to put Botswana to the guillotine with Youcef Belaili’s outrageous corner-kick goal making the difference.

This win was sort of nearly soured by the two-footed challenge launched on OL Nice’s in-demand right-back Youcef Atal which left gaffer Belmadi brooding.

Youcef had wriggled out of his advancing marker before Botswana’s Thatayoune Ramatlapeng desperately made for him, launching a two-footed rough up on him which left the Barcelona transfer target bundled.

The action looked not serious on replay but the 23-year-old sprawled on the pitch as an altercation among players ensued.

“We are of course very satisfied with this victory. It was not easy. To speak honestly and without disrespect to the Botswana team, but seeing the tackle on Youcef Atal is not normal,” Belmadi whose Algerian side are yet to taste defeat, said.

Here are the highlights of Algeria’s 1-0 win over Botswana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0MPl4LX1rs