Malawian coach accuses Algeria of match fixing

One of Malawi national football coach said Algeria’s 2-0 loss to Mali on November 19 in the crucial Group B second spot automatic qualification for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals smacks of match-fixing.

The coach, who spoke on strict conditions of anonymity to avoid sanctions, said Algeria displayed unsportsmaship behaviour in the manner that they approached the game.

The coach said Algeria would not have lost the game considering their top form but they decided to gift the game to Mali progress to the finals.

He saluted Malawi who would have qualified if Mali had lost the game after a goalless draw in Ethiopia on the same day.

“The players put up a good fight but I think the way Algeria approached the match showed lack of seriousness and eventually lost 2-0 which is tantamount to match-fixing,” he said.

“I know how tough Algeria is and I don’t think they lost the game fairly. Something must have happened for them to lose the game.”

Malawi managed a point which they needed to progress if Algeria had beaten Mali.

Malawi seven points would have knocked off Mali’s six to progress to the finals.

But the remarks have drawn a mixed reaction with others saying Malawi have nobody to blame after a shoddy start to the campaign.