Grand Finale Of 2019 AFCON

NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE GRAND FINALE OF THE 32ND AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS

The 32nd African Cup of Nations ends this evening with the grand finale set between the Teranga Lions of Senegal and the Desert Foxes of Algeria. The match promises to be spectacular. After 28 days of action, 51 matches played, 101 goals scored and the 24 nations now whittled down to two, it would be a case of repeat or revenge for two indigenous coaches who have both played for their national teams. The match would be the fifth Nations Cup final to have two African head coaches and the first time since 1998. The Senegalese coach Aliou Cisse missed a decisive penalty in the final of the Mali 2002 AFCON against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. In that same year, he captained the team at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan. After a stunning zero-one victory over reigning world champions France on Match Day one, the team went all the way to be the first ever African country to qualify to the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup. The 43-year-old is hoping his current team can do better than the 2002 contingent and win the competition for the first time ever.

For the Algerian tactician Djamel Belmadi who is a day younger than his Senegalese counterpart, 29 years is long enough for his countrymen to wait for another title. The only AFCON glory for the Algerians happened in 1990, when they hosted and won. This evening will be the second time the two sides would be meeting in the competition this year, having been drawn together in Group C. Algeria won that match one-zero which sealed their spot in the last 16th stage, thanks to a 49th minute Youcef Belaili goal. Interestingly, it is the only goal Senegal conceded in the tournament and the result saw them finish second in the group behind their final opponents. In addition to the coaches, the final also represents an intriguing battle between the two-star men; Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez. Mane is hoping to fulfil his wildest dream of being one of the handful Africans to win both the UEFA Champions League and the Africa Cup of Nations. Mahrez on the other hand. has also helped Manchester City win all the domestic trophies in England and the AFCON title will add to his growing medal list.

On Wednesday, Nigeria managed to beat Tunisia to grab the 3rd place spot. Not an ideal position for a giant like the Super Eagles, but it’s a confident boosting performance for most of their young players. The 2019 tournament has seen a lot of breath-taking goals, as well as lots of captivating games.The expanded format of 24 teams has given an opportunity to unfancied sides to show their capabilities. Benin and new boys Madagascar were astounding. As host nation, Egypt have been one of the most disappointing teams at the tournament; as they were stopped in their tracks by a well determined Bafana Bafana side at the Round of 16. Not even the presence of star man, Mohamed Salah could save the team. Ghana and Morocco were another major casualty as they all exited at the Round of 16.  Egypt as host nation managed to put up a beautiful tournament. For the third time hosting, they stepped in as a replacement for Cameroon in January this year. The reigning champions were denied hosting rights due to delays in completing the proposed infrastructure and concerns for safety near several venues.

The 2019 AFCON has been all but exciting. We are few hours away from seeing the best team crowned the champions of Africa. The tussle for the bragging rights and the four-point-five-million-dollar prize money awaits Africa’s coveted football championship winner. Your authentic and trusted media power House, GBC will bring you the best viewing and listening experience on TV and Radio. We wish the two teams the best of luck.

BY: EMMANUEL ADU-GYAMFI, A SPORTS JOURNALIST.