Algeria Football– December 9, 1979 will remain engraved in the history of African football as a significant date when the Algerian national team inflicted a memorable defeat on its rival Morocco, on the very ground of Casablanca. In a recent intervention, former Algerian international Salah Assad returned to this significant event in the qualifiers for the 1980 Olympic Games.
Morocco, a confident and experienced team
Salah Assad described the context of the time, highlighting the overconfidence that reigned within the Moroccan team. At this period, the “Lions of the Atlas” benefited from a golden generation, made up of players who participated in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico and an African champion title won in 1976. This heightened confidence, combined with impressive past performances, had made Morocco sure of its superiority against an Algerian team that was still young and in full development.
Young Algerians without complexes
According to Assad, the Algerian team, made up mainly of young players unknown on the international scene, went to Morocco without fear or pressure. Driven by a spirit of revenge and a thirst to prove their worth, the “Fennecs” had prepared a meticulous strategy. Their conquering mentality, combined with flawless execution, allowed Algeria to dominate their opponent in spectacular fashion.
A historic victory in Casablanca
In this encounter, Algeria swept Morocco aside with an impressive score of 5-1, providing a football lesson to one of the most feared teams on the continent. Salah Assad and his teammates were able to transform the pressure of playing away into additional motivation to outperform their opponents.
A revenge confirmed in Algiers
A few weeks later, on December 31, 1979, Algeria hosted Morocco for the return match in Algiers. Here again, the Algerians won brilliantly, inflicting another defeat with a clear score of 3-0. These two consecutive victories paved the way for the Algerian national team to qualify for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
-A founding moment
These performances marked a turning point in the history of Algerian football, propelling a talented young generation onto the international stage and strengthening the sporting rivalry between the two nations. Even today, this double victory remains a symbol of courage, strategy and excellence in Algerian sport.
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