Rais Balhi runs the show as Algeria conquer Senegal in Egypt in the 2019 African Cup of Nations competitions.
The Desert Warriors continued their unbeaten campaign for the AFCON trophy by thrashing the Lions of Teranga 1-0 in a very tight competition in Egypt.
Algeria handed themselves an early lead in the 2nd minute of the game after forward Baghdad Bounedjah flicked in a magnificent goal from a wide range outside the penalty box after a swift run from the right flank.
However, the Manchester city –Liverpool rivalry was rekindled as the main men Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane respectively were battling for the trophy.
Senegal had a good run in the first half and striker Mbaye Niang would have equalised in the 38th minute but his shot ran wide and over the bar to make it a goal kick for the opponents.
Senegal continued to impart more pressure on Algerians but the Desert Fox solid defense denied them a celebration.
The Lions of Teranga would have changed the narrative just before the breather when Ismaila Sarr did the srtiking but the ball went for a corner kick after the Algerian stopper Rais Balhi punched it away.
It was tense in the 60th minute of the game when Algerian player Adlene Guedioura handled the ball to give Senegal a huge opportunity of being handed a penalty but the referee ruled it out after a VAR Review.
It did not take long and the Senegalese were at it again with a great build up when Mbaye Niang beautifuly and tactically ran on the right flank towards the opponents goal post, only for him to lazily kick the ball away not even making it a goal on target despite the fact golie Balhi was already out of the goal post.
Balhi continued with his superb saving after he denied Youssouff Sabaly a chance to atleast smile.
Senegal continued to attack but unfortunately they didnt even get a consolation goal.
Both teams were in Group C of the tournament together with Kenya and Tanzania.
Senegal missed the services of Napoli Defender Koulibally.
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