Hugs and High Fives for Ghoulam’s Goal

It’s National Hugging Day in the USA.

So how about some hugs and high fives for Algerian defender Faouzi Ghoulam, who may have the finest goal to date in the Nations Cup?

The 23-year-old Ghoulam, who plays for Napoli in Italy’s Serie A, fired in a left-footed howler in the 72^nd minute of Algeria’s 3-1 victory over South Africa in Mongomo on Monday.

As you can see from the photo, Ghoulam’s teammates thought he deserved a few hugs after that blistering strike.

Ghoulam and “The Desert Foxes” of Algeria entered the Nations Cup as Africa’s highest-ranked team, according to FIFA, world football’s governing body. You might say “The Desert Foxes” are thirsting for Nations Cup success. Their one and only title came in 1990 when they hosted the tournament.

Algeria will be back on the pitch Friday when it plays Ghana in Mongomo. Ghana is coming off a 2-1 loss to Senegal in its opening Nations Cup match.