Algeria defeat Senegal in a 1-0 encounter to lIft AFCON trophy.

July 19, 2019.

Algeria won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time as an early goal sealed a 1-0 win against Senegal in the final, played in Cairo.

Baghdad Bounedjah’s shot was deflected by Salif Sane and looped over a helpless goalkeeper Alfred Gomes.

Senegal, who are yet to win the the competition were initially awarded a penalty for handball in the second half but call cancelled after a VAR review.

Algeria tenaciously closed out the rest of the game to win their first AFCON title since 1990.

At the sound of the final whistle, the Senegalese players crashed in tears on the pitch disappointed in the result.

Liverpool star forward Sadio Mane, who prior to the match said that he won’t mind swapping his Champions League medal for Africa Cup of Nations success, looked dejected as Algeria players were celebrating around him.

Senegal, making only their second appearance in the final since 2002, dominated for large periods but struggled to to convert their
M’Baye Niang was at the centre of two of their best chances as he blazed a fierce drive over the bar just before halftime, and rounded keeper Rais M’bolhi early in the second period only to shoot wide from a tight angle.

Senegalese goal keeper M’Bolhi also did well to palm away a stinging effort from Youssouf Sabaly.
The decisive moment for Senegal was the reversal of the decision to award a penalty on the hour mark.

Ismaila Sarr’s cross was blasted right at Adlene Guedioura’s arm, prompting refree Neant Alioum pointed to the spot, but, happiness9f rte the Senegal players was cut short when the refred celebrating the decision, he quickly indicated that a VAR review was under way.

After seeing the replays on the pitch-side monitor, which clearly showed Guedioura’s arm being by his side, Alioum reversed the decision causing further controversies.

Although the decision was correct, the result was harsh on Senegal player, with Algeria managing only one shot on goal to claim the victory.