The Desert Foxes of Algeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time after defeating Senegal 1-0 in the final at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
An early goal from Baghdad Bounedjah in the 2nd minute gave Algeria the perfect start, to the delight of their cheering fans.
The goal spurred the Senegalese to search for the equaliser only to be truncated by the stubborn Algerian defence.
The Teranga Lions could have leveled the score in the 14th minutes but for the profligacy of Cheikhou Kouyate, who headed the ball wide for a goal kick.
Algeria also had the opportunity to increase their tally on several occasions but for the timely save from Senegal goalkeeper, Alfred Gomis.
The first half ended with both teams creating chances with little precision to the do more damages.
At the resumption of the second half, Senegal was denied a penalty in the 60th minute by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after the centre referee had initially pointed to the 18-yard for a handball by Algerian defender.
It was a moment that created joy and disappointment from both fans who patiently await the referee decision after watching the replay from the VAR.
Despite the referee’s failure to award Senegal a penalty, the team still pressed on with their game but their lack of quality finish proved to be their greatest undoing.
All efforts for Senegal to level parity proved abortive as the referee blew the final whistle as Algeria lift their second AFCON trophy.
The last time Algeria won the AFCON was in Algiers 90′.
