Algeria seek redemption against Equatorial Guinea
Algeria's forward Sofiane Feghouli (right) fights for the ball with Sierra Leone's midfielder John Kamara during their Group E 2021 Africa Cup of Nations match between against Sierra Leone at Stade de Japoma in Douala on January 11, 2022.
What you need to know:
- The defending champions, who are among the favourites to win the 2021 edition, will be seeking maximum points against a lowly-rated Equatorial Guinea to keep their hopes alive ahead of the last group fixture against another heavyweight, Cote d’Ivoire next Thursday
- Coach Djamel Belmadi, who was visibly unhappy with his side’s performance during the opener will likely make some changes to the squad that played Sierra Leone including fielding Adam Ounas and Ramiz Zerrouki
- Mali who also won their first game against favourites Tunisia after Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe controversially ended the match before 90th minute, will also be seeking to win and book a spot in the knockout stage
After a disappointing start to Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) where they shared spoils with Sierra Leone, defending champions Algeria will take on Equatorial Guinea in their second group fixture at the continental soccer tournament on Sunday at the Japoma stadium in Douala.
The defending champions, who are among the favourites to win the 2021 edition, will be seeking maximum points against a lowly-rated Equatorial Guinea to keep their hopes alive ahead of the last group fixture against another heavyweight, Cote d’Ivoire next Thursday.
Algeria are ranked 29th on the latest Fifa rankings and third on the continent, way ahead of their opponents who are ranked 114th in the world and 28th in Africa.
Statistically, Algeria are a stronger side but Equatorial Guinea’s impressive performance against Cote d’Ivoire, though defeated 1-0 in their tournament opener, revealed a stubborn side that can't be underrated.
Coach Djamel Belmadi, who was visibly unhappy with his side’s performance during the opener will likely make some changes to the squad that played Sierra Leone including fielding Adam Ounas and Ramiz Zerrouki who missed the opener but are now available for selection.
On the other hand, coach Juan Michá Obiang of Equatorial Guinea will possibly maintain the squad that played Cote d’Ivoire as his side had not reported any injuries or Covid-19 cases by the time of going to press.
The 10pm EAT clash will be the first competitive meeting between the two teams at the Afcon and will be preceded by another Group 'E' game at 7pm EAT between Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone.
The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, who are ranked 56th on Fifa rankings and 10th on the continent, will head into this match a confident lot having won their group opener. Sierra Leone, who are ranked 108th globally and 25th in Africa, are making a comeback to the tournament after close to three decades and badly need three points to reach the knockout stage.
Elsewhere in the English-speaking coastal town of Limbe, debutants, Gambia who started their maiden Afcon campaign with victory over Mauritania will go head to head with Mali in their second Group 'F' fixture with the hope of securing the three points and book a spot in the round of 16.
However, Mali who also won their first game against favourites Tunisia after Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe controversially ended the match before 90th minute, will also be seeking to win and book a spot in the knockout stage.
Gambia are ranked 150th in the world and 46th in Africa while Mali are ranked 53rd globally and ninth in Africa.
Gambia v Mali game will be followed by another Group 'F' fixture between Tunisia and Mauritania who are yet to record a victory. Tunisia are 30th in the world and fourth in Africa while Mauritania are 103rd globally and 23rd on the continent.
Fixtures (all times EAT)
Group E
Cote d’Ivoire v Sierra Leone 7pm
Algeria v Equatorial Guinea 10pm
Group F
Gambia v Mali 4pm
Tunisia v Mauritania 7pm
