Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi lauded his side's "incredible" Africa Cup of Nations triumph as Baghdad Bounedjah's early goal earned a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the final.
Bounedjah on Friday gave Algeria a dream start against Sadio Mane's Senegal, the top team in Africa, in front of a large Cairo crowd when his deflected shot looped over Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis.
The second-minute strike was enough to propel Algeria to a first Cup of Nations title in 29 years, and the country's first on foreign soil, having lifted the trophy as hosts in 1990.
"I'm very happy. Our whole nation, our people were waiting for this second star for a long time," said Belmadi, who took charge of a squad in disarray last August.
"It's our first Cup of Nations won away from home. It's incredible especially when you look at where we came from.
"I took over a team that was really struggling. To do what we've been able to do, and to put ourselves on the top of Africa in 10 months, is extraordinary."
"I was asked if it was a transitional period. No, we're here (champions)."
"I want to congratulate my players. We've been working together a long time for this Cup of Nations and we wanted it but tonight it didn't go our way."
- Slice of luck -
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