What Is 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final

Overview

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final marked a historic moment in African football, culminating in Algeria’s first continental title in nearly three decades. Held on July 19, 2019, at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt, the match featured a tightly contested battle between Algeria and Senegal, both aiming for glory on the continent’s biggest football stage.

The tournament, hosted by Egypt, featured 24 teams for the first time, expanding from the previous 16-team format. Algeria entered the final as underdogs but delivered a disciplined performance, securing a 1-0 victory with a late goal. The win marked their second AFCON title, following their inaugural triumph in 1990.

• Algeria defeated Senegal 1-0 in the final, with the decisive goal coming in the 2nd minute of stoppage time.
• Riyad Mahrez scored the winning goal, capitalizing on a fast counterattack after a Senegalese corner kick.
• The match was played in front of over 70,000 spectators at Cairo International Stadium under intense heat and high stakes.
• Senegal made their first-ever AFCON final appearance, ending a long drought despite strong past squads.
• Algeria’s victory sparked nationwide celebrations, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets in Algiers and other major cities.

How It Works

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations followed a knockout format after the group stage, with 16 teams advancing to the elimination rounds. The final match was the culmination of a month-long tournament featuring 52 matches across six Egyptian cities.

• Knockout Format: After the group stage, the top two teams from each of the six groups, plus the four best third-place teams, advanced to the Round of 16. Single-elimination rules applied from this stage onward.
• Extra Time and Penalties: If a knockout match ended in a draw after 90 minutes, two 15-minute halves of extra time were played. If still tied, the match went to penalties.
• VAR Implementation: The 2019 tournament was the first AFCON to use Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, enhancing decision accuracy in critical moments.
• Player Eligibility: All players had to be registered with CAF and eligible to represent their nation, with squad sizes limited to 23 players per team.
• Host Nation Role: Egypt hosted the event, providing stadiums, security, and logistics, though concerns arose over high temperatures and sparse crowds in early rounds.
• Golden Boot Award: Odion Ighalo of Nigeria won top scorer honors with 5 goals, despite Nigeria finishing in third place.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Algeria and Senegal compared heading into the final based on performance, historical context, and tournament stats:

The table highlights Algeria’s superior offensive output and defensive resilience. While Senegal had a strong tournament led by Sadio Mané, they struggled to convert chances in the final. Algeria’s experience in high-pressure matches and tactical discipline under coach Djamel Belmadi proved decisive.

Why It Matters

The 2019 final was more than just a football match—it symbolized national pride, regional identity, and the rising quality of African football on the global stage. Algeria’s victory reinforced the nation’s footballing legacy and inspired a new generation of players across North Africa.

• The win elevated Algeria to third place in FIFA’s African rankings, behind only Senegal and Nigeria.
• It marked a resurgence for Algerian football after years of inconsistent performances in international competitions.
• President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared a national holiday, highlighting the political and cultural significance of the win.
• Sadio Mané’s leadership for Senegal boosted his global stature, despite the loss.
• The tournament saw increased global viewership, with broadcasts in over 180 countries.
• CAF announced plans to expand prize money and improve infrastructure after the event’s success.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final remains a landmark event in African sports history, combining drama, skill, and national emotion in a single match that resonated far beyond the pitch.