Reigning champions Algeria begin defending their title on Tuesday against Sierra Leone at 14:00 GMT.
Match Preview
Can Algeria Start the Defence of their Tittle Strongly?
Since Egypt successfully defended their AFCON title twice in 2008 and 2010, no team has emulated this feat.
Algeria will be seeking to start strongly against Sierra Leone and set the right tempo as they attempt to emulate the Pharaohs in Cameroon, starting with their opener against Sierra Leone.
Can Sierra Leone Cause an Early Upset by Frustrating Algeria?
Sierra Leone will be heavy underdogs against the current champions and tournament favourites.
However, there is no such thing as an easy match in the AFCON competition, and Sierra Leone will take this to heart as they seek to cause a major opponent by frustrating Algeria.
Form Guide
Algeria
Algeria are unbeaten in their last 6 rounds of fixtures comprising 5 World Cup qualifiers and one friendly match.
In the friendly match against Ghana, Algeria ran out 3-0 winners over the former AFCON winners. They also drew 2-2 at home and 1-1 away to Burkina Faso.
In the 4 wins, Algeria scored 17 goals and conceded 1. This run of form shows that Algeria’s attack has clicked into gear just at the right time before their opener against Sierra Leone in Cameroon.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone have prepared for the AFCON tournament with a stop-start run of form, especially in the World Cup qualifiers. In their previous six runs of fixtures, they have won 1, drawn 4, and lost 1.
Two of the 4 draws ended in 0-0 stalemates, whereas the other ended 1-1. The draw with favourites Nigeria ended 4-4.
This run shows that Sierra Leone are a resilient team and hard to break down. However, against good opposition, such as Nigeria, they conceded 4 goals, which is a major worry, especially coming up against the lethal Algerian attack.
Team News
Algeria
Algeria have the star power and goal-scoring threat of Riyad Mahrez, who plies his trade for English Champions Manchester City.
Mahrez will be joined in attack by the likes of Ishak Belfodil, Adam Ounas, Islam Slimani, Belaili, and Boundjah.
Sierra Leone
The Sierra Leone squad is full of players playing in European leagues. For example, forward Kai Kai (Wycombe), Alhaji Kamara (Randers FC), Mustapha Bundi (Aarhus), and Steven Caulker (Fernabahce) are all in the squad.
Choosing the starting 11 will be challenging for Sierra Leone, partly because of the quality of the opponent they face on Tuesday and partly because of the form the team has been on heading into the tournament.
Possible Starting Lineups
Algeria
M’bolhi, Mandi, Bedrane, Zorgane, Bensebaini, Brahimi, Zerrouki, Atal, Ounas, Mahrez, Belaili
Sierra Leone
- Caulker, D. Francis, O. Kaykay, S. Caulker, U. Bangura, K. Quee, R. Strasser, S. Fofanah, K. Kamara, S. Kai Kai, A. Kamara
Players to Watch
Riyad Mahrez
The Man City forward has the pedigree, experience, and quality to make a difference for Algeria in the match against Sierra Leone and throughout the tournament.
Kei Ansu Kamara
Kamara will be expected to use his pedigree and quality to lead the Sierra Leone attack against Algeria.
Prediction
The defending champions will be confident of dominating the match, creating enough chances, and scoring goals to win the match. Algeria will take all three points.
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