Senegal Wins Penalty Shootout Against Algeria, Claims CHAN Title
Senegal were crowned champions of the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN), after beating hosts Algeria 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 result in regulation time, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers in front of 39,120 spectators.
Both sides seemed tense in the opening minutes of the final that would see a new champion for the continental tournament that is organised for players that feature in their domestic leagues. However, it was goalless at the half-time mark, with both coaches Madjid Bougherra and Pape Thiaw looking to make changes in the second half.
Senegal came close to an opener in the 56th minute, but winger Pape Diallo’s long-range strike from outside the box went over the bar much to the frustration of the Senegal bench who were on the edge of their seats.
With the game ending goalless after regular time, extra-time called for more focus as both sides continued pressing up front but neither was successful.
In the 105th minute, Algeria forward Mrezigue Bentahar had his shot on target saved by the alert Senegal goalkeeper Pape Sy who denied him from finding the back of the net. The game eventually went into penalties after both sides failed to score.
With Algeria leading 4-3, Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara fired in his spot kick to send goalkeeper Guendouz the wrong way to make the scores 4-4. Forward Aimen Mahious, who had scored five of Algeria’s nine goals at the tournament, then missed his penalty after attempting a Panenka which was caught by goalkeeper Sy.
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The local Teranga Lions held their breaths as defender Ousmane Diouf found the back of the net via a sneaky shot past Guendouz to make it 5-4 for Senegal. The pressure was now on Algeria.
Algeria’s Ahmed Kendouci then missed his chance to equalise, which sent the Senegal players into wild celebrations, with their fans running onto the pitch to celebrate the country’s first ever CHAN title.
GAME. SET. MATCH! The moment Senegal became champs! 🥳 #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 pic.twitter.com/WpnF8kzM2W
— MARHABA (@CAF_Online) February 5, 2023
Pape Thiaw’s outfit will look back and be proud of their performance on the night that saw them complete the treble for the West African nation.
Senegal lifted the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after beating Egypt in the final, as well as claiming the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title.
“Our victory in Algeria mean that our work succeeded. I thank Algeria for welcoming us and I thank the coach of the Algerian national team (Madjid) Bougherra who did a good job and has previously won the FIFA Arab Cup,” Senegal CHAN coach Thiaw said.
“We have a young team that knows how to run matches. Its strength is in teamwork and when we played against Algeria that did not concede any goal, we were ready to suffer in order to make our country happy. I will not get a better gift for my birthday.”
Algeria’s hopes of winning the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on home soil were crushed in heartbreaking fashion as they lost 5-4 on penalties to Senegal in the final on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Algeria set a new tournament record by not conceding in six games at the tournament in regular time. The final was the first game to go into extra time.
Striker Aimen Mahious of Algeria won the CHAN Golden Boot award after scoring five (5) goals in the competition. Algerian star Houssem Eddine Mrezigue won the Best Player of the tournament.
Senegal also won the Fair Play award in the at the 2022 CHAN tournament to cap of a brilliant performance in Algeria.
Young and dynamic as the Senegalese team was, they also placed discipline at the heart of its campaign. The Teranga Lions were seen cheering on their opponents after every game at the tournament.
ANOTHER CONTINENTAL TITLE FOR 🇸🇳
Senegal are the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 champions 🏆
The first-ever #TotalEnergiesCHAN title for the Lions of Teranga 🦁 pic.twitter.com/J9ZGLYUpe4
— MARHABA (@CAF_Online) February 4, 2023
