Its going to be a West African and North African affair in Egypt as Senegal and Algeria face off in the AFCON 2019 final.
Senegal have reached the Africa Cup of Nations final for just the second time in their history having beaten Tunisia 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic match that saw both teams miss penalties.
The 2002 runners-up edged past Uganda and Benin with 1-0 victories in the previous two knockout rounds and maintained their impressive defensive record in Cairo as they eventually found a way past unfortunate Tunisia, who were denied another clear penalty late on.
Henri Saivet wasted a glorious chance to send Senegal through towards the end of normal time in Sunday’s clash when failing to convert from the penalty spot, five minutes after Ferjani Sassi had done likewise at the opposite end of the field.
An unfortunate own goal from Dylan Bronn 10 minutes into extra time proved to be the winner for Aliou Cisse’s side, but Tunisia felt aggrieved as they were awarded a late penalty only for that decision to be controversially overturned following a VAR check.
On the second semi final of the day, a late direct free-kick from Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez was enough to take Algeria through to Friday’s final at Cairo International Stadium.
The Super Eagles had managed to claw themselves back into a tie via the penalty spot in a gane where they were outclassed by the Desert Foxes for large spells before Real Betis defender Mandi handled in the area after a Etebo speculative drive.
The Zambian match official consulted VAR and it appears that any hand in the area, however innocuous, unintentional etc is now deemed to be worthy of a spot kick. Ighalo dispatched the penalty and gave some hope to a Nigeria side lacking creative sparkle up until that point.
Ultimately, a moment of genius from the City player in time added on at the end of the action was to dictate the outcome with a free-kick that Lionel Messi would have been proud of.
AFP
