Group E will go down to the wire as leaders Ivory Coast take on bottom-of-the-table Algeria on Thursday at 17:00 GMT as the elephants seek to qualify top of the group and maintain their unbeaten record in Cameroon heading into the round of 16.
Match Preview
Will Ivory Coast Maintain their Unbeaten Record?
The Elephants are unbeaten in the Tourane t so far, having won one and drawn the other. This will be the proud record on the line when Ivory Coast faces Algeria.
Can Algeria Avoid Group Stage Exit from the Tournament?
Having failed to win a match so far in the tournament, Algeria will be looking to make amends when they face favorites Ivory Coast on Thursday.
It is a must-win match for Algeria to retain any chance of qualifying for the Round of 16.
Form Guide
Ivory Coast
The Elephants won their opening match of the tournament (1-0) against Equatorial Guinea and drew 2-2 in their second match against Sierra Leone.
The win and draw mean that Ivory Coast have 4 points at the top of group E.
Algeria
Algeria have not tasted victory in the 2022 AFCON tournament in Cameroon, having drawn the opening match 0-0 against Sierra Leone, they lost the second one 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea.
They have to win their match against Ivory Coast to stand a chance of qualifying for the Round of 16.
Team News
The Ivory Coast camp confirms that all the players are fit and that there are no injury worries or suspensions for the Elephants.
Algeria will also have the full squad available for the clash against the West African country on Thursday. This will be a boost as they prepare for this must-win clash with Ivory Coast.
Possible Starting Lineups
Ivory Coast
- Sangare; A. Aurier, E. Bailly, S. Del, G. Konan; I. Sangare, J. Seri, F. Kessie; N. Pepe, S. Haller, W. Zaha
Algeria
- M’Bolhi’ Y. Attal, A. Mandi, D. Benlamri, R. Bensebaini; I. Bennacer, S. Bendebka; R. Mahrez, S. Feghoul, M. Belaili; B. Bounedjah
Players to Watch
W. Zaha
The Crystal Palace forward is an important cog in the Ivory Coast machine that aims to take AFCON by storm in Cameroon.
His pace, dribbling, and finishing are all assets that the Elephants will be looking to use when they clash with the defending champions, Algeria.
R. Mahrez
The Manchester City ace has not announced himself in Cameroon yet. This is partly why Algeria have struggled so, collecting a solitary point out of the available six.
Mahrez will be the main danger man for Algeria as they seek to take the three points they need to ensure qualification from the group.
Prediction
Group E has not been as straightforward as it was predicted to be, especially with defending champions Algeria at the bottom of the group with 1 point.
The Elephants are in the driving seat of the group, and they will be confident of sealing qualification. The Algerians have to win this match or else the defense of their title will end at the first hurdle.
The two teams are well balanced in terms of quality and superstar names; they will cancel each other, and the match will end in a draw, which will favor Ivory Coast and Algerian being knocked out of the tournament.
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