Panic-stricken Algeria begins search for new coach

• Recruits French-born star for clash with Nigeria

Africa’s top ranked team, Algeria, which panicked and forced Coach Milovan Rajevic to resign after their 1-1 draw with Cameroun in their opening game of the Russia 2018 World Cup, have started searching for a new manager ahead of their November 12 clash with Nigeria.

The Desert Foxes are in the same Group B with Nigeria, Cameroun and Zambia, and only the winner of the pool will make it to Russia 2018.

Reports in Algerian media said the match’s outcome jolted the North Africans, who before the game felt they had no real rival in the group. Now, they have realized that there is a current danger of losing the ticket to Nigeria if they did not do something drastic.

Nigeria defeated Zambia 2-1 in the Southern African city of Ndola on Sunday.

Although there has not been any indication as to the type of coach the Desert Foxes are searching for, the Algerian media indicate that the Football Federation, led by Mohamed Raouraoua, wants to get a new gaffer on time to begin preparations for their visit to Nigeria.

Rajevac replaced Frenchman Christian Gourcuff, who left the job in April.

Meanwhile, world football governing body, FIFA, has given Franco-Algerian Adam Ounas the permission to play for Algeria against Nigeria following the approval of his request for change of international allegiance.

The Algeria Football Federation (FAF) announced: “Adam Ounas has officially opted to play for Algeria and his eligibility papers have been sent through to FIFA.”

Ounas represented France at U20 level, but he is now in line to make his debut for Algeria as early as a November 12 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo.

The 19-year-old Ounas, who has made a total of 29 appearances and scored five goals in Ligue 1 with Bordeaux, will be expected to help out the Algerians, who lost the midfield to Cameroun in Blida on Sunday.

Over the years, Algeria have swooped on players, who were born in France but have Algerian roots.

They include Adlene Guedioura, Majid Bougherra, Rais M’Bolhi, Yacine Brahimi and Sofiane Feghouli.