Afcon 2019: Belmadi urges African countries to trust local coaches

BetOdds Africa Cup of Nations Algeria v Nigeria Nigeria Algeria

The Desert Foxes and the Teranga Lions, led by local coaches, will square up in the final of the biennial tournament

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi wants African countries to trust in their local coaches after Algeria and Senegal reached the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Teranga Lions saw off the challenge from Tunisia in extra-time, thanks to Dylan Bronnâ€™s own goal while the Desert Foxes battled to a 2-1 victory over Nigeria with Riyad Mahrez scoring the decisive goal.

Both countries are led by their former players who are in their early 40s, with Belmadi in charge of the Desert Foxes while Aliou Cisse, who captained the Teranga Lions to the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations final, manages Senegal.

"It's a great message that we have sent to those responsible for football in all countries in Africa, it's amazing," Belmadi told the media.

"I've known Cisse for a very long time, we used to play against each other when we were both in France. The only difference between us is that he's been with his team for four years and I have been here for one.

"To play this final against Senegal, against my friend, is amazing. I hope the decision-makers can think more about this and put trust in our young coaches."

Algeria will be competing in the final of the continental tournament for the first time in 29 years, after winning the trophy in 1990.

Friday's match will be Senegalâ€™s second appearance in the final of the competition, after finishing as runners-up to Cameroon in the 2002 edition.

2019-07-15 10:00:03

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