World Soccer – August 2019

Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria claim top prize

Mahrez and his team-mates triumph over Senegal in Cairo

By Mark Gleeson

the player of the tournament. Algeria

were exciting in attack and masterful in

midfield, characterised by a pressing

game that defied the taxing conditions.

But their defence did not get as much

credit as it should have, given they

conceded only two goals in seven

games on their way to the title.

The squad was well balanced and had

a depth few could match; the legacy of

tapping into the diaspora and drawing

players from the Algerian community

in France to strengthen the side.

It was former Algerian Football

At last, Algeria finally delivered on

decades of potential and reaped the

rewards for boldly initiating a change in

FIFA eligibility rules that allowed them to

put together a squad good enough to win

the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

While the 1-0 victory over Senegal in

the Final was far from convincing, Algeria

did deserve to lift the trophy at the end

of a heady, hot month amid a politically

charged off-field atmosphere and more

incredulous bumbling by the scandal-

ridden Confederation of African Football.

Djamel Belmadi, who was only

appointed Algeria coach in August last

year, turned out to be an inspiring leader,

while Riyad Mahrez headed a talented

group on the field, with Ismael Bennacer

R

E

V

IE

W

Upset...Madagascar

players celebrate

beating Congo DR

in the round of 16