AFCON: Algeria play host to Tanzania at Stade 19 Mai 1956
With qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations already secured, Algeria play host to Tanzania at Stade 19 Mai 1956 on Thursday.
On the other hand, the away side make the journey to Annaba aiming to confirm their place at next year’s continental showpiece in January.
Algeria played out a 1-1 draw against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia when the north African rivals faced off in a friendly encounter on June 20.
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Djamel Belmadi’s men fell behind to Montassar Talbi’s opener in the early exchanges after which they restored parity through a Riyad Mahrez spot-kick.
That ended a run of three straight victories for the Fennec Foxes who sit top of their qualifying group with maximum points from their five matches.
Next up is the challenge of an opposing outfit currently on a run of four consecutive defeats in this fixture by a combined score of 16-1.
Unbeaten on home turf since March 2022, Thursday’s hosts have established themselves as a strong force to reckon with in front of their fans.
Tanzania secured a crucial victory in their clash against Dama Gazelle of Niger Republic at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on June 18.
Adel Amrouche’s men got their noses in front 21 minutes from time through Simon Msuva and that proved to be the all-important moment in Dar es Salaam.
With seven points from their five Group F qualifying matches so far, the Taifa Stars sit second, three points ahead of nearest challengers Uganda.
Needing just a point to guarantee their AFCON 2023 berth, Thursday’s visitors now prepare for what is set to be a daunting assignment away from home.
Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez has been in fine form for Al-Ahli since his summer move from Premier League champions Manchester City, making him one to look out for.
Despite having to make do with substitute appearances more often than not, Mohamed Amoura currently leads the hosts in AFCON qualifying goals and could be handed a rare start here.
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Simon Msuva has netted in three of his five outings for Tanzania either side of a sending-off against Libya and the forward will be looking to deliver the goods in this one.
Mbwana Samatta is aiming to move one step closer to becoming his nation’s all-time leading goalscorer as he is currently three goals behind Mrisho Ngassa at the top of the scoring chart.
Algeria possible starting lineup:
Mandrea; Mandi, Touba, Ait Nouri; Bentaleb, Bennacer, Boudaoui, Belaili, Leris; Mahrez, Delort
Tanzania possible starting lineup:
Kakolanya; Dickson, Mwamnyeto, Bacca, Miroshi; Abraham, Banda, Yahya; Msuva, Samatta, Kibu