AFCON 2019: Algeria Rule Africa again with Bounedjah’s Early Goal  against Senegal

By Femi Solaja and Demola Ojo in Cairo

After 19-search of continental football glory, Desert Foxes of Algeria last night emerged as new champions of Africa as Baghdad Bounedjah’s early goal propelled the North African side to win AFCON 2019 against the Terranga Lions of Senegal.

It was their first since 1990 when they won as host of the tournament and no doubt the Algerians were arguable the best team of the tournament and a befitting final against Senegal who last reach this stage of the competition since 2002 when they lost to the indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

But yesterday before a large crowd at the Cairo International Stadium, it was Bounedjah that gave Algeria a dream start in the second minute when his deflected shot looped over Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, and it proved enough for the 1990 champions to lift the trophy on foreign soil for the first time.

Interestingly, both sides had met at the group stage and the West African side lost by same margin and the long wait for a first continental crown goes on as coach Aliou Cisse, the captain of the 2002 runners-up, again fell short in the final!

Yesterday’s match was the first title-decider to feature two African coaches since 1998, with Algeria boss Djamel Belmadi completing a whirlwind 12 months at the helm after inheriting a side that failed to make it out of the group stage two years ago.

With defensive rock Kalidou Koulibaly suspended for Senegal, Salif Sane deputised at the back and Ismaila Sarr was recalled in attack, while Belmadi kept faith in the same side that overcame Nigeria with an injury-time free-kick from Riyad Mahrez.

Senegal had understandably feared the absence of Napoli star Koulibaly, banned after two bookings in the knockout rounds, although the towering Sane was desperately unlucky as Algeria grabbed the lead with scarcely a minute played.

As Bounedjah took aim from 20 yards his effort smacked off Sane and arced high into the air before dropping underneath the crossbar and beyond a static Gomis, sparking delirious celebrations from both players and fans, some of whom arrived for the final on military planes provided by the Algerian government.

It was the first goal Gomis had conceded in over 400 minutes in the tournament since replaced the injured Edouard Mendy ahead of Senegal’s final group game.

Henri Saivet, who missed a penalty in the 1-0 victory over Tunisia, tried to catch Rais Mbohli out with a free-kick while Mbaye Niang fizzed a powerful drive just over as Senegal gradually showed signs of life before the half ended with both sets of players embroiled in a scuffle as they headed for the tunnel.

Senegal thought they had won a penalty on the hour when Cameroonian referee Alioum Alioum pointed to the spot for a suspected handball by Adlene Guedioura, but the official reversed his decision after a VAR review.

Niang rounded an advancing Mbohli after a searching ball through from Cheikhou Kouyate but the forward sliced wide of the target from a tough angle, with the Algeria ‘keeper then acrobatically tipping over a rasping drive from Youssouf Sabaly.

The Desert Foxes started to look jaded as Senegal brought on fresh legs in Krepin Diatta and Mbaye Diagne, but Youcef Belaili nearly made it 2-0 when his cross brushed the head of a defender and skimmed the roof of the net.

Sarr blazed over on the volley as Algeria clung on to their advantage in the closing minutes, the final whistle greeted by an outpouring of raw emotion as the North Africans emerged worthy winners of the expanded 24-team event.

Senegal (0) 0

Algeria (1) 1 (Bounedjah 2′)

Senegal: Gomis; Gassama, Sane, Kouyate, Sabaly; Ndiaye (Diatta 59′), Gueye, Saivet (Diagne 75′); Sarr, Mane, Niang (Balde 84′). 

Algeria: M’Bolhi; Zeffane, Mandi, Benlamri, Bensebaini; Guedioura, Bennacer, Feghouli (Tahrat 84′); Mahrez, Bounedjah (Slimani 88′), Belaili (Brahimi 83′).