Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Equatorial Guinea are rock-bottom without a point after two games in Group E of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations as they round off the group stages against Algeria.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Equatorial Guinea preview: Tough campaign
Equatorial Guinea have been much-improved in the last half a decade or so, even reaching the quarter-finals at the previous CAF Africa Cup of Nations, but they have declined in the last year or so and have struggled here.
The Equatorial Guineans began with a 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in their opening group stage game before a humbling and, not humiliating but definitely frustrating, 1-0 defeat to Sudan the other day.
Algeria preview: Impressive Algerians
Under the management of former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria have returned to being one of the very strongest teams in Africa and they have already secured qualification for the knockout stages.
After beginning with a 3-0 hammering of Sudan in their opening game last week, the north Africans then edged past Burkina Faso by a goal to nil the other day, courtesy of a 23rd minute Riyad Mahrez penalty.
Equatorial Guinea team news: A few issues
Basilio Ndong is missing through suspension for Equatorial Guinea, while Iban Salvador is a fitness issue after being forced off the other day alongside Santiago Eneme.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Jesus Owono; Carlos Akapo, Orozco, Saul Coco, Anieboh; Omar Mascarell; Josete, Pedro Obiang, Machin, Asue; Zuniga
Unavailable: Eneme (Injured), Ndong (Suspended)
Questionable: Iban Salvador (Injured)
Algeria team news: No Aouar
Key man Houssem Aouar missed the second game against Burkina Faso the other day and he is sidelined alongside Jaouen Hadjam is also missing after being taken off.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Bounedjah, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bennacer; Chergui, Mahrez, Amoura; Maza
Unavailable: Hadjam (Injured), Aouar (Injured)
Questionable:
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria prediction
Equatorial Guinea have perhaps been unfortunate. They were beaten by Burkina Faso despite leading in the 95th minute and then were the better side against Sudan before a Saul Coco own goal. They now face an Algeria side that could well be complacent in this one, having already qualified for the tournament. The Algerians are expected to come out on top but it may not be as straightforward as it seems on paper.
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria tip: Algeria to win & both teams to score
