Early Goal Hands Algeria AFCON Glory

-
Algeria

Algeria became Africa Cup of Nations champions for a second time as they edged Senegal 1-0 in a scrappy final on Friday.

Djamel Belmadi's side needed a sensational last-gasp Riyad Mahrez winner to beat Nigeria in the last four, but it was a scrappy early strike that decided this clash as Baghdad Bounedjah benefited from a huge deflection.

Further chances were few and far between in an ill-tempered affair as Algeria withstood almost constant pressure and also saw a Senegal penalty award overturned with VAR.

The single goal ultimately proved enough to hold on, Algeria triumphing on foreign soil for the first time to add to their 1990 success as hosts.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

VAR Controversy Again as Real Madrid Edge Levante

-
Image
Re al Madrid returned to winning ways in LaLiga on Sunday with a 2-1 defeat of Levante, as they made the most of two key interventions from VAR at Ciutat de Valencia. Roger Marti looked to have earned a point after cancelling out Karim Benzema's first-half penalty, but a second spot-kick, also awarded after help from the video assistant, allowed Gareth Bale to secure the victory before each side had a player sent off. Madrid were handed their breakthrough 43 minutes in, though, when Enis Bardhi was penalised for handball after a VAR review, allowing Benzema to sweep home the opening goal from the spot. But Roger finally found the net on the hour mark, sliding in front of Nacho on the sodden pitch to steer Jose Luis Morales' low cross from the left just beyond the reach of Courtois and into the right-hand corner. However, Casemiro went to ground after Cheick Doukoure appeared to make the slightest contact with his shin with a rash attempted clearance, and Bale confi...
Read more

Benzema Happy To Be Playing 'Real Football' After CR7 Departure

-
Image
Karim Benzema would be forgiven for lamenting the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, but the striker admits he is happy to be be playing his "real football" as he takes charge of leading the club's attack. “Before there was a guy who scored more than 50 goals per season and my role was to provide assists,” the striker said. “I played to help Cristiano, we formed a good partnership. I was always looking for him with the intention of helping him to score even more goals." “Now though, I'm the leader of the attack. It's up to me to make the difference. I'm very happy because now I can play my real football.” Benzema enjoyed 10 fruitful years alongside one of football's all-time greats, forming an unspoken link with the Portuguese attacker that would help propel the Spanish capital club to two La Liga crowns and four Champions League titles.
Read more

Solskjaer Sets New Points Record in PL

-
Image
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer set a new record points haul for a manager in their first 10 Premier League matches after Manchester United's 0-0 home draw with Liverpool took him on to 26. Solskjaer became United's interim manager in December, replacing Jose Mourinho after a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool. The Norwegian swiftly instilled a more attack-minded approach and United have remained unbeaten in the Premier League since he took over. Sunday's goalless draw at home to Liverpool is only the second time they have dropped points in the league under Solskjaer – the other being against Burnley at Old Trafford, when United came from two goals down to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw. Solskjaer overtakes Guus Hiddink, formerly of Chelsea, for the most points won by a manager in their first 10 Premier League games – the Dutchman having taken 25.
Read more

Arsenal Go Fourth After Easing Past Saints

-
Image
Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were on target as Arsenal coasted past struggling Southampton 2-0 to move back into the Premier League's top four. It took just six minutes for Lacazette to convert from Mkhitaryan's attempted shot and the latter turned home the dangerous Alex Iwobi's assist at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Lacazette wasted a couple of golden opportunities to stretch the lead before half-time and, while Arsenal's tempo noticeably dropped after the break, Unai Emery's side were in complete control. Manchester United's goalless draw with rivals Liverpool consequently sends Arsenal back into the Champions League places, while Southampton remain mired in relegation trouble.
Read more

Solskjaer Backs Fred to Take Man Utd Chances

-
Image
Six weeks after playing his last minutes for Manchester United, Fred is set to be handed another chance by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Wednesday against Crystal Palace. With the Red Devils plagued by injuries, Solskjaer hinted Fred's exile could be about to come to an end with the midfielder making just seven Premier League starts so far this season. The Brazilian joined United over the summer from Shakhtar Donetsk with Solskjaer confident he can impress once he fully adapts to his new environment. "You have to look at the time it needs to settle," Solskjaer said. "You look at Juan [Sebastian Veron] - he is one of the best players that I played with - and it took him time to settle. And I am sure that when given the chance and a run in the team Fred will grab the opportunity. "Fred will get his chances, maybe tomorrow."
Read more