Algeria net winner in 17th minute of injury time
Dec 16, 2021 19:38:17 GMT
Jep Gambardella likes this
Post by Carl LaFong on Dec 16, 2021 19:38:17 GMT
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/59685407
Algeria left it late - very, very late - to book their place in the final of the Arab Cup in Qatar after Youcef Belaili netted a winner in the 17th minute of second-half stoppage time.
The North Africans beat the hosts 2-1 in Wednesday's semi-final at the tournament, which is being used as a test event for next year's World Cup in Qatar.
Algeria had been on course for a routine 1-0 victory before Polish referee Szymon Marciniak added nine minutes of stoppage time, with Qatar's Mohammed Muntari heading home an equaliser in the 97th minute.
The match had seen just four substitutions and no major injury incidents after the break, leaving some in the stadium wondering where the added time came from, and Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra had mixed emotions after his side's victory.
"I was not happy at all," Bougherra said.
"When the referee came to me and said 'nine minutes', [it was] unbelievable. He came to me: "Coach, we will have nine minutes" - like something he negotiated with me. And it was never nine minutes."
Vote for BBC African Sports Personality of the Year
A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review of Muntari's equaliser meant more stoppage time was added by Marciniak, who then awarded Algeria a penalty in the 114th minute.
Belaili's spot-kick was saved but he scored the winner on the rebound, prompting wild scenes at Doha's Al Thumama Stadium. The Polish referee eventually blew the full-time whistle for the scheduled 90-minute match in the 119th minute.
"They played their hearts out, gave it their all and fought with spirit," former Rangers defender Bougherra said.
"Physically, the last 20 minutes were very difficult. It is incredible that we had almost 19 minutes of stoppage time.
"They deserve this win. I tip my hat to them."
Algeria defender Mehdi Tahrat added the end was "crazy".
Algeria left it late - very, very late - to book their place in the final of the Arab Cup in Qatar after Youcef Belaili netted a winner in the 17th minute of second-half stoppage time.
The North Africans beat the hosts 2-1 in Wednesday's semi-final at the tournament, which is being used as a test event for next year's World Cup in Qatar.
Algeria had been on course for a routine 1-0 victory before Polish referee Szymon Marciniak added nine minutes of stoppage time, with Qatar's Mohammed Muntari heading home an equaliser in the 97th minute.
The match had seen just four substitutions and no major injury incidents after the break, leaving some in the stadium wondering where the added time came from, and Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra had mixed emotions after his side's victory.
"I was not happy at all," Bougherra said.
"When the referee came to me and said 'nine minutes', [it was] unbelievable. He came to me: "Coach, we will have nine minutes" - like something he negotiated with me. And it was never nine minutes."
Vote for BBC African Sports Personality of the Year
A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review of Muntari's equaliser meant more stoppage time was added by Marciniak, who then awarded Algeria a penalty in the 114th minute.
Belaili's spot-kick was saved but he scored the winner on the rebound, prompting wild scenes at Doha's Al Thumama Stadium. The Polish referee eventually blew the full-time whistle for the scheduled 90-minute match in the 119th minute.
"They played their hearts out, gave it their all and fought with spirit," former Rangers defender Bougherra said.
"Physically, the last 20 minutes were very difficult. It is incredible that we had almost 19 minutes of stoppage time.
"They deserve this win. I tip my hat to them."
Algeria defender Mehdi Tahrat added the end was "crazy".
