Algeria score early to beat Senegal 1-0 and lift their second African Cup of Nations.
ADVERTISEMENTAlgeria scored early to beat Senegal 1-0 and lift their second African Cup of Nations on Friday evening. Football fans erupted in celebration across Europe and France, with thousands taking to the streets to celebrate in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg and Toulouse.
In Paris, Algerian fans celebrated on the Champs-Elysees avenue until dawn. There were minor tensions between them and the police around 1AM.
In Marseille, there were around 25.000 fans of the 'Fennecs', the Algerian champions, celebrating the victory in the city centre.
In many French cities, fans celebrated with klaxons and bangers. 198 people were arrested across France overnight, according to the French interior ministry.
During the match, the Algerian team netted with their first attack in Cairo as Baghdad Bounedjah cut in from the left and hit a shot that was deflected in.
Senegal thought they’d won a second-half penalty but the referee changed his mind after reviewing replays.
Later their players dropped to the turf after a stoppage-time free-kick failed to beat Algeria’s defensive wall and the final whistle was blown.
It meant Senegal lost in a final for a second time after also failing at this stage in 2002.
Algeria, who committed 32 fouls according to official match statistics, had to scrap for their win in a match that was certainly not a classic but was tense and gripping throughout.
Senegal, beaten by Cameroon on their only previous appearance in the final in 2002, were awarded a penalty for handball in the second half but the decision was revoked following a VAR review.
The final whistle provoked wild celebrations among the large contingent of travelling Algeria fans. It was a fitting end to a tournament that, with 24 teams for the first time, produced plentiful drama even if quality was sometimes lacking.
Senegal were missing Kalidou Koulibaly, arguably Africa's finest defender, through suspension and his absence was quickly felt.
Celebration galore
Across Europe, jubilant fans celebrated, shouting "one, two, three, viva l'Algerie."
Twitter users shared videos as cities in Europe erupted in celebration.