African Champions Algeria Win Arab Cup

Algeria’s players celebrate winning the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 final at the Al-Bayt stadium in the Qatari city of Al-Khor on December 18, 2021. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Africa Cup of Nations holders Algeria won the Arab Cup on Saturday, beating Tunisia 2-0 after extra time in Qatar.

Amir Sayoud put Algeria ahead on 99 minutes in front of 60,000 spectators at Al Bayt Stadium, with Yacine Brahimi sealing victory deep into stoppage time.

Algeria will defend their Cup of Nations crown in Cameroon next month, having ended a 29-year wait for the trophy in 2019.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (C) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) present Algeria’s goalkeeper and captain Rais M’Bolhi with the the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 trophy following the final football match between Tunisia and Algeria at the Al-Bayt stadium in the Qatari city of Al-Khor on December 18, 2021. (Photo by DENOUR / AFP)

The 16-team Arab Cup, organised by FIFA for the first time in the tournament’s history, was a dry run for the 2022 World Cup using six stadiums in Qatar.

The hosts finished third after edging Egypt 5-4 on penalties earlier in the day following a goalless draw after 120 minutes.