In a devastating incident, the goalkeeper and assistant coach of MC El Bayadh, a top-tier Algerian football club, lost their lives in a bus crash, prompting the national football federation to cancel all matches scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
The accident occurred as the MC El Bayadh squad was en route to Tizi Ouzou for their weekend fixture against JS Kabylie. The Algerian Football Federation confirmed that the team bus crashed in Tiaret, located approximately 150 kilometers (90 miles) from the Mediterranean coast. However, the federation did not provide details regarding the cause of the tragic accident.
Ten other players from the MC El Bayadh squad sustained injuries in the crash. As a gesture of respect and mourning, the Algerian Football Federation made the somber decision to “suspend all footballing activities nationwide this weekend across all leagues and competitions.” Additionally, the draw for the next round of Algeria’s primary cup competition, originally scheduled for December 26, will be postponed to a later date.
This unfortunate incident has cast a pall over the Algerian football community, and the nation mourns the loss of two individuals who played integral roles within the MC El Bayadh team. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and the football fraternity extends its deepest condolences to the families, teammates, and fans affected by this tragic event.