Algeria fans take to French streets to celebrate second Cup of Nations title
Tens of thousands of Algeria fans have come out onto French streets to celebrate the nation's second Africa Cup of Nations title, after beating Senegal 1-0 in Cairo. Huge street parties took place in Paris, Marseille and Lyon amid a boosted police presence, after unrest at previous celebrations.
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The Desert Foxes sealed their second Cup of Nations in the opening seconds after a deflected goal by striker Baghdad Bounedjah.
In Paris, cars honked their horns late into the night as crowds waving Algerian flags headed towards the Champs-Élysées.
Arrests
Across the country, nearly 200 people were arrested during celebrations, according to the authorities. Paris had the lion's share with 102.
The interior minister Christophe Castaner ahead of Friday's match called for all fans to respect the values of sport, following violent scenes after Algeria's victories in the quarter and semi-finals.
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Around 2,500 police officers were mobilised around the avenue and the Arc de Triomphe to prevent street clashes.
In Marseille, some 25,000 fans gathered without incident near the Old Port. Lyon police reported a number of cars set alight on the city's outskirts.
Former colonial power France has a large number of dual French-Algerian nationals, with more than half of the Algerian football team born, raised or trained in France.
(with wires)
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