Cisse: we deserved better from the match but it wasn’t our night
Senegal manager Aliou Cisse rued his side’s inability to recover from an early goal as their wait for a first Africa Cup of Nations title was extended following their 1-0 loss to Algeria.
The Teranga Lions arrived in Egypt as the top-ranked nation in Africa but finished runners-up for the second time after a second defeat by Algeria at this tournament.
“They put away the chance they needed. On the whole we didn’t let ourselves down. We created chances but weren’t able to score,” said Cisse, whose team also lost 1-0 to Algeria in the group phase.
“When you concede a goal so early in the match, the plans become clear. You have to attack against an aggressive defence and we weren’t able to find the solutions.
“Over the course of the match, we deserved to equalise. Tonight, I wanted to congratulate my players. We’ve been here for 46 days. We wanted it, but it wasn’t our night.”
Senegal were without key centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly through suspension, while Liverpool star Sadio Mane found it difficult against a solid Algeria defence.
“What are we missing?” asked Cisse. “Being consistent. The last time Senegal reached this point was in 2002. The experience of big matches, we want to be here more often. We’re getting closer to winning.
“The team has been making progress these past five years. A final is decided by fine margins and we deserved better tonight.”
Algeria had a major let off in the second half when Ismaila Sarr burst down the right and fired a low cross into the middle. It struck Adlene Guedioura’s arm and, although it seemed impossible for the Algerian to get out of the way, the referee pointed to the spot, sparking celebrations among the Senegal supporters.
But those were quickly silenced when Cameroon referee Sidi Alioum reversed his decision after looking at the incident again using VAR.
Algeria had another let off shortly afterwards. Cheikhou Kouyate sent Mbaye Niang clear and he took the ball around Rais Mbolhi but shot into the side-netting.
Youssouf Sabaly then produced a vicious dipping shot which Mbolhi did well to tip over the bar before Sarr volleyed over with the goal at his mercy.
Cisse, captain of the side that lost the 2002 final on penalties to Cameroon, has been in charge since early 2015 and refused to be drawn on his future in the job.
“It’s been 17 years since Senegal got to this stage of the competition. We’ve only experienced disillusion and disappointment,” he said. “I’m not important. What counts is what I’m doing the with players and the fact the federation has confidence in me.”