Djamel Belmadi lauds Algeria for semifinal victory

Djamel Belmadi lauds Algeria for semifinal victory
Djamel Belmadi, head coach of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, semifinals Algeria press conference at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Jul 15, 2019. 12:00

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi has lauded his team for their 2-1 semifinal win over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night.

Riyad Mahrez scored a brilliant goal direct from a free kick in injury time, adding to an earlier own goal from William Troost-Ekong and a penalty (awarded via VAR) from Odion Ighalo.

The Fennec Foxes have qualified for their first final since they won the competition in 1990. On Friday night they will take on Senegal in Cairo – a team they have already beaten in this edition of the AFCON.

Belmadi admitted the game was tough after his side conceded a penalty but he is pleased with the comeback from the Foxes.

“The guys made an amazing first half. We deserved to score more,” Belmadi is quoted as saying by the CAF website.

“In the second half we had a difficult moment for around 15 minutes where we were under pressure.

“After the penalty my players showed great attitude and mental strength and coming back until the end, fighting to score a goal was great for us.”




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