Algeria Rules Africa, Breaks 29 Years Jinx

By Akinwale Kasali

A deflective strike from Al-Sadd Football Club of Qatar striker, Baghdad Bounedjah, was all the Desert Warriors of Algeria needed to lift the 2019 African Cup of Nations trophy.

Algeria had waited 29 years to lift the illustrious African trophy, having lifted it last on home soil in 1990, defeating the Green Eagles of Nigeria 1-0 in the pulsating encounter.

Like a repeat of AFCON 1990 where the Desert Warriors did a double against Nigeria with a 5-1 defeat in the group stage, before humbling the Coach Clemens Westerhoff turtored side 1-0 in the final.

Same was what played out in the land of the Pharaohs.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal were in same group with Algeria in the group stage. Algeria won 1-0 to cement its position as the group leader. The same scoreline gave the Algerians victory at the Cairo International Stadium.

The 28-day continental showpiece came to a climax amidst  fun fare as Algeria became  the new king of Africa, forcing Senegal to continue its illusion of winning the trophy some day.

Perhaps, the next two years could see the Teranga Lions winning the continental showpiece, having reached the final twice now.

In 2002 in Mali, Senegal lost 4-3 on penalties to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, which was their first ever AFCON final.

Again, in a heartbreaking situation, despite dominating the match against Algeria from the blast of the whistle signalling the commencement of the final till the end, Senegal had to wait another time to lift the trophy.

Rais Mbolhi of Algeria was named the Best Goalkeeper of the competition, having conceeded only two goals throughout the Championship.

21-year old Ismael Bennacer of Algeria was named the Man of the Competition for his exploits and superlative performance throughout the competition inspite his age.

Jude Odion Ighalo of Nigeria won the golden boot award with his five goals at the competition.

Ighalo opened his account at the competition with a sublime finish again at Burundi to announce his intention of winning the coveted highest goal scorer award.

He had to wait till the knockout stages where he recorded a brace against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in his team 3-2 win.

Two more goal against Algeria and Tunisia in the semi finals and third place playoff saw him winning the award.