The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has condemned the alleged attack on three Algerian journalists covering the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, stating that investigation into such an ‘indignant incident’ is ongoing.
The 33rd edition of the rescheduled biennial showpiece finally kicked off on Sunday after it had suffered delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic with Cameroon and Cape Verde picking up first wins of the tournament.
And while celebration engulfed the Central African country, several media from Algeria reported that three journalists from the Maghreb country were attacked on Sunday evening in the streets of Douala, Cameroon by unknown assailants.
According to DZ Foot, a sport website in Algeria, one of whose representatives who was among the victims, reported that the incident had occurred near the hotel where they reside during the competition and were ambushed by “an unidentified group” who were “in possession of knives”.
“Individuals threatened journalists and extorted their property, not without using violence.
The media also reported that a meagre loot consisting of three cell phones, a bag and a passport, was obtained after many stabs.
Reacting to the viral reports, the country’s soccer governing body via a statement released on Monday morning, strongly condemned the ‘aggression’ and called on the organizing committee to provide sufficient security conditions for all participant at this year’s tournament.
“The FAF is indignant at such an incident, the day of the inauguration of this continental event, yet placed under the seal of fraternity and fair play, on and outside the stadiums,” read the statement.
The statement continued: “where DZ Foot calls on the African Football Confederation, the organizing committee of this CAN and Cameroon to guarantee sufficient security conditions for all the actors of this CAN, whether they are on the ground or outside.”
Algeria, the tournament’s reigning champions are in imperious form heading into the AFCON and will look to extend their record unbeaten run when they face Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and even Ivory Coast in Group E.
