Algeria win African Cup title

CAIRO, Egypt (AP):

Algeria won the African Cup of Nations, beating Senegal 1-0 in the final with a deflected goal in the opening seconds by striker Baghdad Bounedjah yesterday.

Bounedjah’s shot on Algeria’s first attack deflected off Senegal defender Salif Sane and looped over goalkeeper Alfred Gomis at the Cairo International Stadium.

The goal was timed at 79 seconds – the fastest in an African Cup final for at least 39 years – and delivered Algeria just a second African title and first since 1990.

Algeria players sprinted the length of the field and jumped over advertising boards to celebrate with their fans at the final whistle. Some players climbed the fences, fists pumping as the raucous Algeria fans surged towards them.

Algeria last made the final 29 years ago, when they won their sole title before yesterday.

Senegal and Sadio Mane trudged off the field at the 75,000-seat Cairo International Stadium disappointed again.