A minority of Algerian media reports spread a rumor that Keita's poor performance was influenced by external sources.

"It is a ridiculous rumor. How can a biased referee gives six minutes of injury time, which allowed Algeria to score the third goal," Zaher told FilGoal.com.

"The referee allowed Algerian FA president to sit with the technical staff and that is against FIFA's regulations."

Guinean referee Keita controversially ruled out more than one goal for the Desert Foxes, much to the frustration of coach Rabah Saadane.

Algeria's victory gives Egypt no choice but to beat their North African neighbors by at least three clear goals next month.