Manchester City at the Africa Cup of Nations: Part 7

On 19 July Algeria defeated Senegal 1-0 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final.

The Desert Foxes took the lead inside the first two minutes of the first half. Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah danced at the top of the Senegalese box before sending a powerful shot on goal. Senegal’s Salic Sané attempted to block the shot, but unfortunately for the defender the ball took a wicked deflection past goalkeeper Alfred Gomis. As a result, Algeria found themselves ahead on the night.

Down a goal, the Lions of Teranga sought to equalise but were unable to break an impervious Algerian defence. Despite numerous attempts on goal, Senegal could not level the score and the first half ended 1-0 in Algeria’s favour.

At the restart, Senegal thought they had an opportunity to equalise. At the 60 minute, referee Neant Alioum pointed to the penalty spot initially believing Adlene Guédioura had handled the ball in the Algerian box. The video assistant referee, however, deemed Guédioura had not intentionally handled the ball. The play resulted in a goal kick and the Lions of Teranga felt as if the match had been snatched away from them.

The overturned penalty decision enraged the Senegalese, thus giving them another spark to try and find an equaliser, but ultimately the goal never came. By full time, Algeria had defeated Senegal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria were the new champions of Africa.

The result means Riyad Mahrez will add yet another trophy to his 2018/19 season. Manchester City’s winger will now enjoy a well earned holiday before joining his squad at the start of the 2019/20 English Premier League season.