Preview: Algeria vs Togo,Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Group Stage
- Soccer News 2024/10/09 03:15
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Algeria go into their clash with Togo in high spirits, sitting at the top of the standings with six points from two games after beating Equatorial Guinea and Liberia, keeping clean sheets in both games.
The Fennec Foxes' impressive 16-match unbeaten run in AFCON qualifying - their last defeat came away to Benin in 2018, and their last home loss dates back to 2007 - gives them a significant advantage going into the match.
Algeria's recent form in all competitions is indicative of a strong side that is currently on a three-match winning streak, with their last defeat coming against Guinea in a World Cup qualifier, the first competitive match under new coach Vladimir Petkovic.
Since that setback, Petkovic's men have won three straight games, two of which have cemented their early dominance in Group E, and victory in this match would give them an almost unassailable lead at the top of the group.
The hosts' star-studded squad, including Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, is a key factor in their reputation as one of Africa's top teams, and that wealth of talent and experience will be crucial as they look to hold their own against a struggling Togo side.
Togo will go into this game with a sense of urgency after drawing both of their opening group matches, and with just two points from as many games, they sit second behind the hosts and will need to pick up points to distance themselves from the other two teams in the group and keep their qualification hopes alive.
The visitors have struggled for victories this qualifying campaign, relying heavily on the individual brilliance of their best players, as was evident in their last outing - a 2-2 draw with Equatorial Guinea in which they needed a last-gasp equaliser from Kodjo Fo Doh Laba to salvage a point.
Togo's defensive frailties have been highlighted by a five-match winless streak in all competitions and three goals conceded in their opening two qualifiers.
Appointed in July, coach Dare Nibombe is still searching for his first win as head coach and his side's fragile defensive organisation will be another major challenge against Algeria's attacking firepower.
Goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea, a regular for the Desert Foxes, has been left out of the squad due to urgent family matters, while Alexandre Okidja, who recently came out of international retirement, is also absent due to a reported lack of match fitness.
In attack, Ibrahim Maza makes his first appearance in the squad as the 20-year-old striker continues to impress.
Petkovic also welcomes back Badredine Bouanani, who has been in fine form for Nice, and Ahmed Touba, whose performances for Belgian side Mechelen have earned him a recall.
Togo will be without their talismanic Kodjo Laba, who scored in their last game and has been a key figure in their AFCON qualifying campaign. His absence will be a blow to the visitors, who will need to find alternative solutions in attack.
Goalkeeper Geoffrey Agbolossou will need to be at the top of his game if the visitors are to secure a result in this challenging encounter, and his performance will be crucial in keeping the hosts' potent attack at bay.
Algeria possible starting lineup:
Bouhalfaya; Mandi, Ait-Nouri, Bensebaini; Farsi, Boudawi, Zerrouki, Aouar, Hadjam; Gouiri, Mahrez
Togo possible starting lineup:
Agbolossou; Akueson, Djene, Amevor; Narey, Aholou, Romao, Agbagno; Tchakei, Placca; Denkey
Prediction:Algeria 2-0 Togo
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