Senegal vs. Algeria 2019 – The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final, played on 19 July in Cairo, Egypt, saw Senegal and Algeria lock horns for the continental title. The match was a showcase of tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and a dramatic conclusion that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the final with a strong run in the tournament. Senegal had already beaten Egypt, Tunisia, and Ghana, while Algeria had dispatched Nigeria, Morocco, and Ivory Coast. The final was a clash of contrasting styles: Senegal’s high‑pressing, fast‑break approach against Algeria’s structured, counter‑attack strategy.

Key Moments of the Match

  1. Early Pressure: Senegal began aggressively, with N'Golo Kante and Sadio Mané creating chances in the first ten minutes.
  2. Algerian Counter: A quick break from the midfield saw Abdelkader Ghorbel deliver a long ball that was met by the goalkeeper, but the shot was saved by the Senegalese keeper.
  3. First Half Halftime: Both teams remained goalless, with tactical adjustments made by the coaches.
  4. Second Half Breakthrough: In the 66th minute, Senegal’s midfielder Moussa Dembele intercepted a pass and launched a rapid attack, culminating in a spectacular volley by Idrissa Gueye that gave Senegal the lead.
  5. Algerian Resilience: Algeria pressed for an equalizer, but Senegal’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Pape Matar Sarr making a crucial save.
  6. Extra Time Drama: The game remained 1-0 until the 118th minute when Algeria’s Ahmed Hachoud was awarded a penalty after a foul on the Senegalese defender.
  7. Algerian Miss: Hachoud’s penalty was saved by the Senegalese keeper, preserving the one‑goal advantage.

Tactical Analysis

Senegal’s coach, Branko Ivankovic, employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick transitions and wide play. The team’s midfield duo of Kante and Pape Matar Sarr controlled the center, while the attacking trio—Mané, Gueye, and Diouf—provided width and penetration.

Alger