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Only once before, in 1992 when quarter-finals were staged for the first time, has the northern region comprising Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia not had a presence among the eight survivors after the mini-league first phase.
Algeria, second behind Cote d’lvoire on the African rankings going into the tournament, finished last in Group D after an undeserved defeat by Tunisia, a deserved defeat by Togo and a draw with the Ivorian “B” team.
A win over Togo would have taken Tunisia through and had a great chance when awarded a late penalty with the teams level, but Khalid Mouelhi struck the woodwork after converting an earlier spot-kick.
Morocco were the unluckiest casualties, leading South Africa twice in a must-win match only to be held 2-2 because the hosts conjured up two great equalisers off curled shots, one by a centre-back.
Coach Rachid Taoussi felt the 2013 tournament came too soon for his young stars, while probably erring in ditching experienced midfielder and captain Houssine Kharja from his Johannesburg-bound squad.
“Our priority has always been the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the 2015 Cup of Nations (which Morocco hosts), where I am confident this group of players will do well,” said the recently installed Atlas Lions handler.
Tunisia coach and former national team defender Samir Trabelsi has gone backwards after winning the 2011 African Nations Champioship for home-based footballers in Sudan soon after taking the reins.
The Carthage Eagles made the last eight at the 2012 Cup of Nations co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and must have fancied getting at least as far this year after Youssef Msakni hit a late winner against Algeria.
Losing leading all-time scorer Issam Jemaa just seven minutes into the first match through injury was a huge blow, but a country that continually impresses in pan-African club competitions should have strength in depth.“Our elimination was extremely harsh and bitter, especially as the team put in a better level of performance and created many scoring opportunities,” said Trabelsi after the draw with Togo.
Algeria were being touted as possible champions and greying coach Vahid Halilhodzic took a youthful, perhaps too youthful, talented and well prepared squad to a tournament in which they squandered many scoring chances.
“I predict a bright future for this team,” said the Bosnian with previous coaching experience in Africa handling Cote d’lvoire and Moroccan club Raja Casablanca. — AFP.
Online Reporter