Saadane steps down after Tanzanian shock

Rabah Saadane resigned as Algeria coach on Saturday following Friday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with minnows Tanzania in their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announced.

The 64-year-old had been in charge since 2007 and had had his contract extended for another two years only on July 18 after what was seen as a respectable showing at the World Cup where Algeria exited in the first round.

He had also guided them to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

However, Saadane, who was also in charge of Algeria at their previous appearance at the World Cup finals in 1986, decided to step down after a meeting with FAF president Mohamed Raouraoua.

“The President thanked him and complimented him on the excellent work he had performed in his job,” a FAF source said.