“One, two, three, long live Algeria!”, how the slogan became legendary
Algerian supporters during CAN 2019 in Egypt.
(Drawing).
Pierre RENE-WORMS / RFI - PIERRE RENE WORMS
Text by: Ndiasse Sambe Follow
3 mins
The opening match of CHAN 2023 on Friday January 13 between Algeria and Libya (1-0) was an opportunity to hear the slogan "One, two, three, long live Algeria" again thousands of times. .
If the mystery of its origin is not solved, this cry of joy and rallying has ended up being the symbol of the pride of Algerian supporters throughout the world.
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From our special envoy in Algiers,
It is a slogan, a song, which has become an identity for Algerian supporters, as much as the flag of the country which travels around the world.
“
One, two, three, long live Algeria!
» a sentence where English, Spanish and French mingle, imposed itself among supporters, of Arab origin, without anyone really knowing when it all started.
“
I don't really know the origin,
admits a supporter
, but I heard that it was linked to the liberation struggle in the 1950s
”.
“
We want to be free
”
This is indeed one of the theories on the birth of this song.
At the time, the Algerian nationalist movement, seeking international support, would have launched this slogan in English: "
We want to be free
"
(
"
We want to be free
"
)
which has become, by default of pronunciation, "One, two, three”.
Other theses speak of a match in 1974, during a victory for Algeria over English club Sheffield United (3-1) with fans singing to magnify the victory and the score.
Or even a success of the Fennecs over France 3-2 at the Mediterranean Games of 1975.
However, journalist Yazid Ouahib, considered a living library of sport in Algeria, is adamant.
The slogan, in its definitive version “
One, two, three, long live Algeria!
has nothing
to do with football.
It was sung, shouted, shouted, the first time during a handball match.
“In the 1980s, handball had supplanted football in terms of results.
It was a sport practiced and followed by students and high school students
, explains the one who votes for Algeria for the Ballon d'Or France Football trophy.
They are the ones who (re) gave life to the slogan "One, two, three, long live Algeria!"
at national team matches.
Singing this slogan in the Harcha Hassan room which had 8,000 seats was something
”.
“
It represents us
”
From 1980 to 1990, the Algerian men's handball team thus lived its golden age, notably with a historic fivefold victory in the African Cup (1981, 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1989).
Football will resume its rights from 1990 with the CAN organized and won at home.
Little by little, “One, two, three, long live Algeria!
is "colonized" by football fans before being identified with them after Algeria qualified for the 2010 World Cup. Algerians.
Since then, the slogan has become the "pride" of Algerians around the world, used both in other disciplines and in non-sporting contexts.
“
Beyond the origin, the history, it represents us.
It represents Algerian pride,
says Yassine, a fan who crossed paths during the Algeria-Libya match
.
It is unifying.
When I leave Algeria, meet another Algerian and hear the "One, two, three", it warms my heart.
I am 30 years old and I have always heard this slogan and I think the next generation will also adopt it
.
»
CHAN 2023 in Algeria: Schedule and results
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