Mane, Mahrez in spotlight as Senegal, Algeria clash
African Heavyweights. Senegal’s Sadio Mane (L) and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez (R) meet in a crunch Group C Nations Cup Qualifier today in Egypt. AFP PhotoS
What you need to know:
- Aliou Cisse, Lions of Terange coach, has a difficult decision to make of changing his winning side especially up front to accommodate Mane.
- Keita Balde, Krepin Diatta scorers of the two goals, Ismaila Sarr and Hamady Niang were combining well. Who will make way?
Fortebet odd
SENEGAL - ALGERIA
2.18 3.10 3.90
Cairo. Senegal’s Lions of Teranga and Algeria Desert Foxes face off in a Group C clash of the Africa Cup of Nations at the 30th June Stadium outside Cairo this evening.
The encounter also marks the entry of Senegal’s captain Sadio Mane, who missed the opening match because of suspension.
It also pits together two high profile English Premier League (EPL) Stars, Mane - who helped Liverpool win the Champions League early this month, and Riyad Mahrez - who was part of Man City side that clinched the League on the very last day in May.
Both teams started with identical 2-0 wins against Cecafa teams Tanzania and Kenya respectively.
These nations are familiar with each other as they were in the same group in Gabon two years ago.
They played out a thrilling 2-2 and if they can repeat the same, they would have done the neutrals at the tournament good.
Senegal went on to top of that group before exiting in the first knockout round whilst Algeria went home early.
Aliou Cisse, Lions of Terange coach, has a difficult decision to make of changing his winning side especially up front to accommodate Mane.
Keita Balde, Krepin Diatta scorers of the two goals, Ismaila Sarr and Hamady Niang were combining well. Who will make way?
Time to deliver
The Desert Foxes, like the Lions of Teranga, have been under achievers, coach Djamel Belmadi has stamped his authority on the team by naming Mahrez the leader to give him more responsibility.
With other players like Sofiane Feghouli, Nasr Brahimi and Baghdad Bounedjah, scorer of their opening goal last Sunday, he has a squad capable of going far. But first the small matter of three points against Senegal.
Senegal vs Algeria key Stats
*Senegal have won their last 7 matches (all competitions).
*Senegal have scored over 2 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches (Africa Cup of Nations).
*Senegal’s Sadio Mane has scored 14 goals in his last 18 appearances for club and country (all competitions).
*Senegal have kept clean sheets in 6 of their last 7 matches (all competitions).
*Algeria have conceded over 2goals in 4 of their last 5 matches (Africa Cup of Nations).
Today’s fixtures
Senegal vs. Algeria
(SS7, 8 pm)
Kenya vs. Tanzania
(SS7, 11pm)
Head-to-Head
Senegal 4 wins
Draws 2
Algeria 3 wins
GROUP C standings
P W D L F A PTS
Algeria 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Senegal 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Tanzania 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
Kenya 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
