Algeria hold off Senegal to win Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria have won their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1990 after beating Senegal by a single goal.

Baghdad Bounedjah struck early with Algeria’s only shot of the game as Senegal failed to break through despite being the better team for most of the match.

Algeria opened the scoring after just two minutes when Bounedjah’s shot took a huge deflection of Salif Sane to deceive goalkeeper Alfred Gomis.

Apart from that, it was a quiet first half. Cheikhou Kouyate headed wide for Senegal before Rais M’Bolhi kept out a Henri Saivet free-kick.

M’Baye Niang could have equalised just before the break but his shot went narrowly over the crossbar.

Senegal thought they had won a penalty on the hour mark when Adlene Guedioura appeared to handle the ball. After reviewing VAR, the referee reversed his initial decision and no penalty was given.

Niang then missed a huge chance for Senegal when his shot skimmed the crossbar before Youssouf Sabaly forced M’Bolhi into a great save.

Ismaila Sarr had a great chance to equalise late on but his shot went over the bar.

Senegal kept pushing for an equaliser until the end but Krepin Diatta’s free-kick went over.

Algeria have now won two Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal, meanwhile, are still in the hunt for their first triumph and have now lost twice in the final.