Algeria's El Bayadh Goalkeeper and Assistant Coach Die in Car Crash En Route to League Game

• Two members of the Algerian club El Bayadh have died
• The assistant coach and goalkeeper died in a bus accident
• All games in Algeria have been postponed due to the tragedy

The Algerian Football Federation has been left in a state of mourning after two members of topflight side Mouloudia El Bayadh died following a bus crash.

First-team goalkeeper Zakaria Bouziani and assistant coach Khalid Muftah lost their lives after the team bus was involved in an accident on their way to a league match against JS Kabylie.

This has forced the postponement of all games across all football divisions in Algeria, as the football federation pays tribute to the victims of the accident.

"In the wake of the painful tragedy that befell Algerian football … the Algerian Football Federation decided to suspend all football activities scheduled for the end of this week across the entire country," the federation said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.

CAF Awards: Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen Arrives Aboard Morocco in Private Jet, Video

Football

"The Federation also decided to postpone the draw ceremony for the 32nd and 16th rounds of the Algerian Cup to a later date."

The country's president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune released a statement expressing his condolences while claiming the nation is in 'great pain and sorrow'.

Goalkeeper Bouziani made two league appearances this season. El Bayadh lies sixth on the league table after ten matches with 15 points, per Soccerway.

Algeria boycotts CAF Awards over Mahrez snub

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Algerian Football Federation refused to attend the CAF Awards which took place in Marrakesh, Morocco on Monday night.

The decision to boycott the awards was said to be a show of solidarity with Riyad Mahrez and the local league club, Union Sportive de la Medina d’Alger (USMA).

Despite winning the treble with Manchester City last season, Mahrez failed to make the final shortlist while USMA did not make the nomination for the best inter-club team.

CAF Awards 2023: Algeria Boycott Event Following Withdrawal of Mahrez and USMA From Final Shortlists

Football

Riyad Mahrez dreams of City return

Sports Brief also reported that Algerian forward, Riyad Mahrez claims he has unfinished business with Manchester City despite leaving the treble winners in the summer transfer window to join Al-Ahli.

The 32-year-old had two years left on his contract but decided to sign for the Saudi Pro League giants when they came calling.

According to Mahrez, his limited role in the games through to the final of the UEFA Champions League meant he could not end his time at the English club the way he wanted to.