Cheikhou Kouyate has narrowly missed out on being crowned an Africa Cup of Nations champion as Senegal lost 1-0 to Algeria this evening.
Baghdad Bounedjah scored for the victors within three minutes and despite Senegal’s best efforts, the Lions of Teranga were unable to pull themselves back into the match after a penalty decision was overturned against them by VAR.
Kouyate played in every match of the tournament at centre-back, keeping five clean sheets from seven clashes.
The Palace No.8 also captained his country in every minute that he played, starting his tournament in their first match against Tanzania as a 23rd-minute substitute.