Algeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the Final, with Ismael Bennacer named Player of the Tournament.
The Desert Foxes took the trophy in Cairo this evening thanks to a bizarre goal in the opening couple of minutes.
Baghdad Bounedjah robbed the ball near the touchline and cut inside, his shot taking a huge deflection off Salif Sane and looping up into the far top corner, with SPAL goalkeeper Alfred Gomis simply watching.
Algeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the Final, with Ismael Bennacer named Player of the Tournament.
The Desert Foxes took the trophy in Cairo this evening thanks to a bizarre goal in the opening couple of minutes.
Baghdad Bounedjah robbed the ball near the touchline and cut inside, his shot taking a huge deflection off Salif Sane and looping up into the far top corner, with SPAL goalkeeper Alfred Gomis simply watching.
The strange curve of the ball made it look as if it was going over the bar, but turned back in off the inside of the upright at the last moment.
Empoli midfielder Bennacer, on the verge of a move to Milan, played throughout in midfield, as Algeria held on to their lead for the rest of the night.
Senegal were awarded a penalty for Adlene Guedioura handball, a decision revoked after viewing it again on VAR, and wasted some good opportunities with former Milan striker M’Baye Niang.
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was suspended for the Final and could only watch on from the stands.
Algeria win their second Africa Cup of Nations, the other coming all the way back in 1990.
Although the Final was played almost entirely in defence and with a series of fouls, Algeria had impressed throughout the tournament with attractive, attacking football.