Real Betis defender Aïssa Mandi has been labelled as the culprit for the second goal conceded by the Algerian national team in their 3-1 loss to Nigeria on Saturday.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel wasn’t offside when the ball was delivered to him by Etebo because Mandi was marginally ahead of him after a  poorly-executed offside trap.

“We are not going to lie, the mission promises to be difficult because the fate of Algeria is no longer in its hands.

“Also, on the action of Mandi who eliminated the offside and it’s really serious to commit this kind of defensive error at such a level, ” retired Algeria international Tahar Chérif El-Ouazzani told Le Buteur.

“But here I think it is necessary to review the defensive system of the national team.

“I think it was necessary to strengthen the defense and play with three central backs as was done with Cheikh Saâdane.”

Algeria will face the Zambian national team, who are third in the standings, in their next two World Cup qualifiers.

Igho Kingsley