DOHA: Algeria struck twice in extra time to beat Tunisia 2-0 and win the FIFA Arab Cup, the tournament revived as an organisational warm-up for next year’s World Cup finals back in Qatar.
Amir Sayoud scored in the ninth minute of extra-time while Yacine Brahimi scored with the final kick of the game at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor city to take Algeria to the title on Saturday.
Algeria added the Arab crown to the Africa Cup of Nations title won in 2019, and will defend in Cameroon next month.
The 31-year-old Sayoud made his international debut in Algeria’s opening game of the tournament but did not play again until coming on just past the hour mark in the final. His 99th-minute shot turned him into an instant national hero.
Brahimi scored on a breakaway with the last kick of the game as Tunisia pushed everyone up for a last-gasp corner and Brahimi raced away unchecked after the ball was cleared by the Algeria defence.
Earlier, hosts Qatar beat Egypt 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the third-place playoff.
Algeria’s Brahimi was named best player at the Arab Cup while the golden boot was won by four-goal Seifeddine Jaziri of Tunisia. Algerian goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi collected the goalkeeping golden glove prize while Morocco took the fairplay trophy.
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