Algeria and Senegal are set to meet on Thursday in an Africa Cup of Nations clash to decide top spot in Group C.
The Teranga Lions are set to welcome talismanic Sadio Mane, Liverpool’s winger, back to their starting line-up.
On the other hand, the Desert Foxes will depend on Riyad Mahrez to secure another consecutive victory in the African tournament.
AFCON opening game for Senegal and Algeria.
Senegal defeated Tanzania 2-1, thanks to goals from Keita Balde and Krepin Diatta.
Algeria’s Baghdad Bounedjah opened the scoring in the 34th minute before Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez doubled his side’s advantage to claim a 2-0 victory.
Senegal vs Algeria head to head
Senegal have slightly edged over Algeria in head to head encounters dating back to 2002 World Cup qualifying. The Lions of Teranga lead the Desert Foxes 4-3 with two draws. The two squads also played out a 2-2 draw at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon
Senegal vs Algeria match up
Sadio Mane has scored 14 goals in his last 18 matches for club and country, as his presence will be vital for Senegal. Algeria also have talented Riyad Mahrez but he cannot match Mane regarding form, having only started 14 matches for Manchester City in the 2018/19 Premier League.
What to expect:
Senegal will be in tougher clash against Algeria as the match is set to be one of the best games of the group stages.
Both teams are capable of going into the final stages of the competition and this game may play a part in that with the winners set to top Group C.
Contributed by Hassanain Tayea