Algerians facing early ride home
FANCIED NORTH AFRICANS IN DISARRAY Results would have to go their way if they are to progress.
Star-packed Algeria came to the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon as one of the title favourites, but they need a miracle in Franceville today to reach the quarterfinals.
A team including Riyad Mahrez must defeat Group B winners Senegal, and hope fellow strugglers Zimbabwe beat Tunisia in Libreville in a simultaneous kick-off.
Those results would see Algeria and Zimbabwe sharing second place with four points each, leaving goal difference, goals scored or the drawing of lots.
Judged by the four matches so far in Franceville, however, victories for Algeria and Zimbabwe are unlikely as Senegal and Tunisia have been much more impressive.
Senegal are assured of finishing first and staying in the city for a quarterfinal against the Group A runners-up.
Tunisia need only draw with Zimbabwe to seal second spot and secure a Libreville date with the Group A winners.
Algerian coach Georges Leekens accepts the former champions are facing a mammoth task.
“Senegal play good football and, in an ideal world, we would have qualified before facing them,” he admitted.
“This will be a very tough match. We dare not give away soft goals like we did against Tunisia.
“Unfortunately, we no longer have our destiny in our own hands,” added the handler who took Tunisia to the 2015 Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
An own-goal by captain Aissa Mandi and a suicidal back-header by fellow defender Faouzi Ghoulam led to the 2-1 defeat by neighbours Tunisia.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse says he will not rest his first choices, even though the result is of academic interest to him with first place sewn up.
“We intend fielding our strongest side,” he said. “This fixture has the potential to be a thriller and all the players want to compete.”
A glance at the line-ups makes it clear why the final-round group game is so eagerly anticipated.
The Senegal attack includes Liverpool star Sadio Mane, third in the 2016 African Footballer-ofthe-Year poll, and Keita Balde of Lazio.
Henri Saivet, a Newcastle United midfielder on loan to StEtienne, is another Teranga Lion in form, creating the first goal in the 2-0 win over Zimbabwe and scoring the second.
Among the reasons Algeria were rated potential champions by pundits was the presence of winger Mahrez.
But after being a pivotal figure in the stunning 2015-2016 English Premier League title success of Leicester City, his form with club and country has dipped. – AFP