Additional-time targets by substitute Amr Sayoud and Yacine Brahimi gave Algeria a 2-0 win over neighbours Tunisia within the Arab Cup ultimate on the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday, reviews Reuters.
It added the Arab crown to the Africa Cup of Nations title Algeria received in 2019, and can defend in Cameroon subsequent month.
The 31-year-old Sayoud made his worldwide debut in Algeria’s opening sport of the match however didn’t play once more till approaching simply previous the hour mark within the ultimate.
His thunderous 99th-minute shot gave Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen no probability and turned Sayoud into an immediate nationwide hero.
Brahimi scored on a breakaway with the final kick of the sport as Tunisia pushed everybody up for a last-gasp nook and he raced away unchecked after the ball was cleared by the Algeria defence.
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Each international locations have been enjoying with out their European-based gamers and appeared drained on the finish of the 18-day match however stored urgent for targets towards the backdrop of a raucous ambiance delivered by a capability 60,456 crowd.
The match was designed as a gown rehearsal for subsequent yr’s World Cup. It has been the primary time followers have packed into among the stadiums the Gulf Arab state in-built preparation for the worldwide showpiece match.
1000’s of fan-filled vehicles adorned with Algerian, Tunisian and Qatari flags headed north alongside the desert expressway resulting in Al Bayt stadium, round 50km north of the Qatari capital.
The stadium, which resembles a large black and white Bedouin tent like these historically utilized by nomadic tribes within the Arab gulf, would be the venue for the World Cup’s opening match.
Tunisia struck the crossbar by means of Bilel Ifa within the 14th minute and Algeria goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi needed to tip Naim Sliti’s effort excessive in a vivid begin for the underdogs.
However Algeria ought to have led when Tayeb Mezaini had the objective at his mercy within the twenty first minute however put his effort huge.
Algeria had the higher of the possession however the perfect alternative of the second half went Tunisia’s manner, as Seifeddine Jaziri led a last-minute counter-attack however put his shot into the facet netting.
Algeria lastly made the breakthrough in additional time, though they wanted extra saves from Mbolhi to maintain their lead intact.
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