Historical background and context of the tournament
The Africa Cup of Nations is the most prestigious football tournament on the African continent, where the continent's elite national teams compete for the coveted title. Egypt hosted the 2019 edition, which was unique as it was the first to feature 24 teams instead of 16, opening the door to greater competition and surprises. The tournament began amidst great anticipation, with all eyes on the Egyptian national team, the record holder with seven titles and the host nation eager to extend its record, and the Algerian national team, which was looking to reclaim its former glory under a new and inspiring coaching staff.
Algeria's journey towards a second star
After a 29-year wait since their first triumph on home soil in 1990, the Desert Warriors entered the tournament with renewed spirit under the guidance of national coach Djamel Belmadi. Belmadi successfully built a cohesive team that blended experience and youth, characterized by defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Algeria delivered a flawless performance in the group stage, securing a perfect record without conceding a goal. In the knockout rounds, the team displayed the character of champions, easily overcoming Guinea (3-0), then eliminating the formidable Ivory Coast side on penalties after a marathon match, before achieving a dramatic victory in the semi-final against Nigeria with a last-gasp free-kick goal from star player Riyad Mahrez.
In the final, Algeria faced Senegal, considered one of the strongest contenders for the title, led by their star player Sadio Mane. Algeria secured the title with an early goal from Baghdad Bounedjah, claiming their second championship and bringing joy back to Algerian fans who had long awaited this historic moment. Algeria's dominance wasn't limited to the team title; they also swept the individual awards, with Ismaël Bennacer winning the Player of the Tournament award, Raïs M'Bolhi the Best Goalkeeper award, and Djamel Belmadi deservedly winning the Best Coach award.
The Pharaohs' disappointment on their own land
In stark contrast, the Egyptian national team's experience was deeply disappointing. The Pharaohs entered the tournament as favorites, bolstered by home advantage and the presence of a world-class star like Mohamed Salah. Despite achieving a perfect record in the group stage, their performance was far from convincing. The biggest shock came in the round of 16 when the Egyptian team unexpectedly exited the tournament after a 1-0 defeat to South Africa. This early exit sent shockwaves through Egyptian football, leading to the dismissal of the coaching staff, headed by Mexican Javier Aguirre, and the resignation of the entire board of the Egyptian Football Association, reflecting the profound disappointment felt by the Egyptian sporting public.
Surprises and lessons of the tournament
The 2019 tournament was not without its surprises. Morocco, one of the favorites, also exited in the round of 16, falling to the modest Benin side on penalties after a match in which their star player, Hakim Ziyech, missed a penalty in the dying minutes. In contrast, Madagascar's story was the most remarkable, as they reached the quarterfinals in their first-ever appearance, delivering a heroic performance that earned everyone's respect. The tournament served as an important lesson: big names and history are not enough to win titles, and tactical organization and fighting spirit have become crucial factors in modern African football.
