Algeria edged Senegal 1-0 in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019 final as Baghdad Bounedjah’s early goal was enough to bring the north African nation its second ever continental title.
Bounedjah opened the scoring for Algeria in the second minute with a freak goal as his shot from just outside the penalty area took a massive deflection off the outstretched leg of Salif Sane before dropping into the bottom corner of Senegal’s net. The deflection and flight of the ball was so unexpected that goalkeeper Alfred Gomis was left frozen as he watched the ball fly high over his head and in for Bounedjah’s second goal of the tournament.
Mbaye Niang nearly found an equaliser for Senegal in the 66th minute when he rounded Algeria keeper Rais M’Bolhi but he was unable to steer his shot on target from a tight angle. M’Bolhi was called into action a couple of minutes later when he made a crucial save from a shot rocketed in by Youssouf Sabaly.
The Lions of Teranga continued to knock on Algeria’s door, pushing for an equaliser. Ismaila Sarr had an opportunity for a volley just inside the penalty area, but his effort flew well over M’Bolhi’s crossbar.
Algeria were able to hold onto their early lead and bring home their second Africa Cup of Nations trophy and their first since 1990.