Algeria on Africa’s roof

Algeria – The final was not the greatest game of all times, but the adage that “a final must be won, not played”, was respected. Last night, for the biggest satisfaction of Algerian fans who had been waiting for twenty-nine years, the Fennecs grabbed their second African Cup of Nations after 1990 by beating Senegal 1-0 in Cairo for the sake of the tournament’s final. The Lions failed to bring back the trophy to Dakar, and Senegal is still missing from the records.

Realism was the key last evening since Algeria scored early on what was their one and only shot of the game. Baghdad Bounedjah scored two minutes after the first whistle blow on a shot deflected by Salif Sané and which left Senegalese goalkeeper Alfred Gomis motionless. 

The Lions, who had practically the whole game to make it up, seemed uninspired and accumulated long balls on Mbaye Niang, well watched over by Djamel Benlamri and Aïssa Mandi. On their twelve shots, three only were on target, not enough to surprise Raïs M’Bohli’s vigilance.

The game was tense and teammates in clubs acted as if they did not know each other, like Ramy Bensebaini playing tough on his Rennes fellows Mbaye Niang and Ismaïla Sarr no matter what they had lived together in the last season. Things ended well though and in the trophy ceremony, Algerians cheered up while Senegalese applauded and congratulated. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF president Ahmad Ahmad could give away the medals.

Young (21 years old) midfielder Ismaël Bennacer was consecrated best player of the competition. The one who is about to play in AC Milan next season must be living a pure dream with an African Cup won twenty-nine years later, his country’s second one. In the general records, Egypt is still leading with seven trophies. Cameroon is second with five cups.

By Guillaume Mahot

Sources: www.beinsports.fr

Africa Global News Publication