Algeria scored within the second minute of the match to defeat Senegal 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
Algeria striker Baghdad Bounedjah was helped by a deflection off Senegal defender Salif Sane as his shot took the beating of goalkeeper Alfred Gomis. The strike was timed at just 79 seconds and it would prove to be the only goal of a closely-fought encounter.
OPENER: Baghdad Bounedjah, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's opening and only goal during the Afcon final. Photo: Hassan Ammar/AP.
The win was Algeria’s second Afcon title, with their first coming in the last millennium back in 1990.
An early deflected g⚽️al decided the #TotalAFCON2019 champions for tonight and it was non other than #LesFennecs!🎉🏆
In case you missed the historic moments check the highlights only here👇😉 #FootballTogether #CelebrateAfrica pic.twitter.com/tPnOZdIFew
— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 19, 2019
Senegal, however, were close to levelling matters in the second half. They were awarded a penalty, only for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to reverse the decision.
Initially, Algeria’s Adlane Guedioura was penalised for handling the ball inside the 18-yard area. VAR, however, made a decision in favour of the Algeria midfielder.
DISSAPOINTED: Sadio Mane sits in disappointment at the end the African Cup of Nations final. Photo: Hassan Ammar/AP.
Senegal threw all their players forward in the dying stages of the clash, but it would be to no avail as Algeria held out for the victory prompting wild celebrations from the players and their fans in the stadium.
African News Agency