AFCON 2019: ALGERIA END 29-YEAR AFRICAN CUP DROUGHT WITH A FRUSTRATING WIN OVER SENEGAL; ALGERIA 1- 0 SENEGAL

Algeria frustrated Senegal to end their 29-year AFCON trophy drought on Friday Night at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday evening.

The North Africans were full of drama after opening the scores in the early minutes to agitate the Teranga Lions. Bounedjah was the match scorer in the 2nd minute. He redeemed a ball on the left from Bennacer, moved into space and hit the ball behind the 18-yard box; it took a deflection on Kouyate and fell into the net of the Lions comfortably with the goalkeeper caught ball watching.

Senegal attacked the Algerians deep in their half but the Foxes approach towards the game after the goal was all-defensive. They fouled the Senegalese on every move they made and disturbed their gameplay with complaints toward the referee.

Ndiaye in the 17th minute counter attacked a stolen ball in midfield, pushed forward and delivered a pass to Mane at the left. The Liverpool winger played Sabaly in the box yet his delayed caused a clearance by the Algerian defense. Senegal could not cope with the Foxes dramatic screenplay on the field of play, affecting the beauty of the game and putting the referee in tightfisted position to caution the North Africa’s with a card. Gueye waved a ball from the left to Sarr on the right but his effort was not enough to salvage ball for a cross in the 28th minute.

Bennacer fouled Sadio Mane once again on the right side. The Senegal forward was given a close marking preventing him to enjoy his normal game by the Foxes. Algeria as at the 26th minute had committed 7 fouls with 4 of them deployed against the Liverpool man. Saivet took the set piece with power but it fell in the hands of M’Bolhi comfortably. After a triple caution by the referee on Bennacer, the first yellow card was flashed on the Empoli midfielder. Senegal still kept their focus and composure seeking for the equalizer amidst the vexation attitude of the Algerians.

Niang was presented with the opportunity to equalize in the 37th minute; a long ball was directed towards him and beautifully, he gear stick it on his chest behind the penalty box towards the Algerian post. He launched a rocket with his left foot but missed the bar by inches. The Lions kept roaring for a goal to level the scores yet the Desert Foxes kept discouraging the efforts of the men in green. Ndiaye was fouled at the left corner. Mane pulled down once again in the 45th minute but their set pieces were not expertly taken to redeem their efforts. The Algerians blasted away every ball that fell in the 18-yard box giving more room for Senegal to throw men upfront but it yielded to nothing in he first half.

The commotion continued as the two team headed into the dressing room but was settled by officials.

Algeria started the second half so strong through Bounedjah. Mahrez was already missing in action in the first half and that strategy was still in effect by Gueye and Sabaly towards the Manchester City forward. Sadio Mane initiated a wonderful attack in the 50th minute and activated Ndiaye with a pass on the right. He lost control of the ball after a poor touch in the penalty box. Belaili received the second yellow card of the game for pushing away Gassama from the ball on the right in the half of the Algerians. The composed guardians of the post once again cleared the free-kicked from the area.

Sadio Mane had his boot flying in the air after missing a hit towards goal. A through ball was played inside the box  for the talisman, he beat his marker and struggled to reach ball which he did. Mane opted for a shot at goal but could not hit ball too well after having his boot flee from his left foot. Coach Aliou Cisse made his first substitution by bringing on Krepin Diatta for Badou Ndiaye.

Referee Alioum awarded Senegal a penalty in the 59th minute. Sarr controlled Diatta’s ball, went past Bensebaini towards the flank and sent a cross inside the box. The ball unfortunately struck the arm of Guerdioura. The Video Assistant Referee was consulted after complaints from the North Africans; the referee denied the opportunity for Senegal to level the scores.

The Teranga Lions could not control their temper anymore over the Algerians as poor fouls were initiated from all angles. Lamine Gassama and Aissa Mandi went into the book of the referee for hitting back  the Foxes on late tackles.

The game ended on behalf of Algerians crowned as African Champions in the Total AFCON tournament in Egypt.

Total Man of the Match was Rais M’Bohli. Ismael Bennacer was the Player of the Tournament as Nigeria’s Idion Ighalo was the Golden Boot winner.

GOLDEN BOOT RACE

Ighalo    NIG        5

Mahrez ALG        3

Ounas   ALG        3

Mane    SEN        3