Leekens resigns as Algeria coach - CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
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| AFP |
Georges Leekens has resigned as coach of Algeria after just three months in charge of Les Fennecs, following their group stage exit from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Leekens, who has taken charge of only six games with the North African side, leaves with just a pair of wins over Mauritania during his latest spell – having coach them for four months in 2003 – and departs Gabon 2017 early having seen his side enter as one of the pre-tournament favourites.
"For the good of all I decided to quit even though I do it with heart ache," the 67-year-old told the Algerian Football Federation’s (FAF) official website. "I wish all the success in the world to the national side.
"Given the pressure on the federation and the national team, I preferred to end my contract out of friendship for the president of the FAF who deserves respect.”
Monday night’s 2-2 draw with Senegal, having twice led through Islam Slimani, saw them crash out of the tournament without a victory – suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tunisia and being similarly held to 2-2 draw in their opener with Zimbabwe.
The Belgian’s first game in charge was their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ meeting with Nigeria, where a 3-1 defeat left them bottom of Group B and five points adrift of qualification. Their next encounter comes against Zambia on 28 August.