Algeria are targeting a positive start when they face Sudan in their opening Group E fixture at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Algerians come into this clash in good form, while the Sudanese are looking a bit off colour lately.
Algeria have won two AFCON titles, with the most recent coming in the 2019 edition. They had a solid qualifying campaign, claiming five wins and a draw from six matches to finish top of their group.
The Fennecs have been in good form lately and are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, earning five wins on this run. The last outing for Vladimir Petkovic’s team was a friendly with Saudi Arabia in November as they claimed a 2-0 victory.
Sudan were one of the pioneers of the AFCON and won the title back in 1970. However, they have struggled to make any impact since then and failed to qualify for the 2023 edition in Côte d'Ivoire.
Qualifying for this year's AFCON was not a particularly smooth process for Sudan, who finished second in their group after earning two wins and in six matches. Their recent form has also been disappointing, with Kwesi Appiah’s men winless in their last eight matches in all competitions and suffering a 2-0 defeat to Oman in a friendly back in November.
How the bookies view it: Algeria overwhelming favourites
Algeria have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 2/5 by William Hill to win. A victory for Sudan is valued at 17/2 by bet365, while Betfred are offering 3/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Algeria on top
Algeria have a 4-2 advantage, with six draws in the last 11 matches against Sudan. The Algerians picked up a 2-0 victory when both teams met in a friendly back in 2022.
Players to watch: Eyes on Bounedjah
Baghdad Bounedjah was the top scorer for Algeria at the last AFCON with three goals. The striker has also scored three times in the last four matches for the national team and could be the one to watch (Baghdad Bounedjah anytime goalscorer – priced at 8/5 by William Hill).
Defender Aissa Mandy is the most capped player for Algeria, and his experience is often pivotal at the back. Having kept clean sheets in three of their last five matches, the Fennecs will be targeting a repeat here (Algeria clean sheet – valued at 4/5 on William Hill).
Probable line-ups:
Midfielder Houssem Aouar is ruled out of the tournament and has been replaced by Himad Abdelli ahead of the Group E opener. Mandi is expected to partner Ramy Bensebaini at the back while Bounedjah leads the line, with Riyad Mahrez providing support.
Sudan also have no injury worries ahead of the opening fixture. Mustafa Karshom is expected to line up at the back, while John Mano is set to lead the line.
Algeria: Mandrea, Atalanta, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri, Bennacer, Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Mahrez, Hadj Moussa, Bounedjah.
Sudan: Abouja, Awad, Ering, Karshom, Tabanja, Talfour, Khedr, Abdalla, Muzmel, Abdelrahman, Mano.
Anything else catch the eye?
Sudan have failed to score in eight of their last 10 matches, and Algeria will be targeting a win to nil (Algeria win to nil – available at 23/20 on William Hill). The Fennecs have scored over 1.5 goals in six of their last eight matches (Algeria over 1.5 goals – offered at 4/6 by bet365).
Algeria have won by two or more goals in four of their last six matches (Algeria -1 handicap – set at odds of 7/5 on William Hill).
When one side looks too strong, a handicap bet can even things up. Learn how in our Handicap Betting Masterclass.
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