It's been an interesting African Cup Of Nations tournament which was played in Egypt. From the blast of the whistle from the opening game that saw the host nation Egypt open the competition with a win, to the sound of the final whistle that handed the trophy to Algeria on Friday night, it was generally worthwhile and I can't help but Say Congratulations to Algeria!
I knew this Algerian side were headed for something big after they defeated an experienced Super Eagles side in their semi final clash. Gernot Rohr's side despite being tipped as top favorites to lift the trophy after they fought back against Cameroon and Bafana Bafana of South-Africa to book a date with Algeria in an interesting semi final fixture.
The desert Foxes proved they were equal to the task, and were more hungry for a win against the Eagles in the semi final. A late well taken injury time free kick from Manchester City winger Mahrez, was all Algeria needed to subdue the Eagles and pick a ticket against a highflying Senegal side. They won 2-1 against Rohr's side and it was one of those games that they had to explore all their tactical might to keep some dangerous Eagle players at bay.
The Desert Foxes were able to neutralize Chukwuze's venomous runs. They knew the Villarreal wonder kid was a big threat if allowed to explore from the flank. It was well planned, as they ensured that Ighalo didn't get those crosses or defense piercing through passes. They conquered the Eagles and clipped their wings, ready to take on the Lions Of Teranga in the final which was played yesterday. Senegal were no small team to underrate as they too went through some rough roads to be in their second African Cup Of Nations Final after 17 years.
Aliou Cisse's side went into the final with all hopes high and perhaps a conviction to win their first AFCON trophy. There have tasted this moment before and that was in 2002(I stand to be corrected). Cisse was part of that squad and it was an awesome feeling for him as a player and now as a coach. The Senegalese team had a star man Sadio Mane upfront whom Algeria knew was their engine room and left no stone unturned in frustrating the Liverpool forward. The desert Foxes knew that if the Liverpool forward was allowed to make those runs as usual, it will take little time for him to cause them troubles.
They went physical on Mane and frustrated his moves, with an early 2 minutes goal to their advantage, Algeria didn't mind getting the bookings. After the early goal, the Algerians were resolute in their resolve on how to go about this Senegalese side that came fighting back. Generally, I think Algeria were the best team in the tournament and the inability of their opponents to force them out of their defensive position saw them win the 2019 AFCON final with a 1-0 margin. Not a result many would have predicted to come in such manner, but then, that's how it all ended.
My Coach Of The Tournament?
Well, if I was the man in charge of awarding prizes or maybe if I had the discretionary power to give award to the best coach of the tournament, I will have no second thought in pitching my tent with The Lion Of Teranga Boss, Aliou Cisse. Yah, I will go for him for taking Senegal this far after 17 years. He has also justified the confidence his country's FA have on him instead of going for a foreign coach as other African countries. He has sent a message that it's not about hiring coaches from heaven, indigenous coaches have what it takes to go all the way.
Congrats Algeria!
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