Staff Reporter.
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Algeria won their maiden Arab Cup with a 2-0 win against Tunisia on Saturday after extra-time goals from substitute Amir Sayoud and Yacine Brahimi in Al Khor, a victory that backs up their credentials for the Africa Cup of Nations.
It also underscores north Africa’s domination in a tournament that served as a World Cup dress rehearsal for Qatari organisers.
The African champions needed 99 minutes to find the opener through Sayoud against a formidable Tunisian side, who created opportunities and danger of their own but failed to capitalise.
With the last kick of the game, talisman and Qatar-based Yacine Brahimi, clean through on goal, wrapped up the 2-0 victory in the 125th minute to deservedly crown Algeria champions after a formidable tournament.
Algeria had also left it very late in their semi-final against hosts Qatar when Youcef Belaili netted a winner in the 17th minute of injury time.
In response, Qatari club Qatar SC terminated Belaili’s contract.
On Instagram, Belaili, who had been at the Doha club since 2020, wrote: “Thank you very much to Qatar SC for the moments spent by your side and a huge thank you to the fans and the management. Now I am a free agent.”
On Saturday, both Algeria and Morocco demonstrated the best and the worst of North African derbies with fine build-up play and skillful combinations as well as sloppy passages of play and theatrical interludes.
There was nothing to separate the two sides in Doha until Sayoud struck left-footed in extra-time to leave Tunisia’s goalkeeper Mouez Hassen no chance.
Tunisia responded with chances for Mohamed Benalarbi and Ghailene Chaalali, but Brahimi decided the match when Tunisia left their goal undefended, wrapping up a two-week tournament that replaced the Confederations Cup as a warm-up event for the World Cup.