Algeria’s Victory in AFCON

The players in the Algeria national team ran towards the mass of white and green that were situated behind the goal, some unable to contain themselves while others were swinging from the crossbars, running into the stands to allow 15,000 fans to embrace their victory.

This win for Algeria meant everything. This was their first AFCON title in nearly 30 years, and it provided a fresh surge of positivity for a country that has been suffering of late. The tears flowed from players to spectators, and the stadium itself was filled with celebrations. It was a night that witnessed Algeria defeat Senegal in a 1-0 victory that allowed them to claim their second AFCON title, while Senegal has to wait for another opportunity in the future.

The AFCON Final

Only a die-hard follower of Algeria would be able to sit through the AFCON final for a second time. They will go on to reply the winning goal from Baghdad Bounedjah, scored during the second minute after a deflection from Salif Sane which left the ball in the air for an age until it is scorched into their brains.

However, Algeria fans will undoubtedly skip the rest of the 92 minutes where the side of Djamel Belmadi scrapped through to a win, shredding any pretence of an engaging football game. Algeria won’t care too much about the rest of the match. However, for fans, it was frustrating and nearly unwatchable after the winning goal occurred for Algeria, seizing their win and refusing to let go after that.
Algeria didn’t have a single shot on goal afterwards for the entire match, restricting Senegal to a handful of opportunities in the process. Belmadi stated after the game that if he knew the game would end up like this, he would have bitten off his hand. Belmadi also noted that the team had a unique strategy which involved no high pressing.lgeria A didn’t press at all. There was also a few moments where Senegal managed to break free, but it didn’t result in anything spectacular either.

Senegal Received An Important Lesson

M’Baye Niang and Sarr had missed opportunities, but at the end of the day, Senegal received a valuable lesson when it comes to game management and will yet again need to wait before they can win their very first AFCON title. Senegal had an intense talk on the field while Algeria celebrated and the discussion must have been about keeping your chin up.

Fans of Senegal might have hoped for a revival from Sadio Mane, but he was kept rather quiet during the game, be it fouls or fair means. Riyad Mahrez was another elite player on the field but was also invisible for most of the match. This alone told you the depth of the Senegal team compared to the Algeria team. It’s a well-deserved win for Algeria and Senegal will return home with lots on the mind.