Demonstrators, many of them wearing the national football team's kit, poured onto the streets following weekly midday prayers, despite a heavy security presence. "The national team gives us a lot of joy and pride, but we can't forget the most important thing: the departure of all (senior Bouteflika-era) officials," said Amina, a civil servant. As the protestors dispersed late on Friday afternoon, many headed to venues where the Africa Cup of Nations final is to be screened. But an explosion of joy erupted when the national team scored a goal in the second minute of the game. One photo doing the rounds on social media shows a young woman holding up a sign reading: "We will win the cup, you will lose power."

Source: The North Africa Journal July 19, 2019 19:41 UTC