Algeria were aiming to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup, having participated in both the 1982 and 1986 edition. They had already become part of World Cup folklore after their good display in 1982, where they also had gained much sympathy after the so-called “Disgrace of Gijón”. 

Kamel Lemoui had been appointed new head coach for Algeria in October 1988, and inherited one of the most talented squads in African football. Players like Belloumi and Madjer provided the class that could make a real difference. Lemoui had most recently been in charge of MC Oran, leaving the job after bringing the club back to the Algerian 1st division in 1985-86.