Mahrez-Captained Algeria seeks to break trending jinx

The last five African Champions prior to the 2019 editions, Cameroon, Cote d Ivoire, Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt failed to defend the title with none advancing further than the round of 16.  Riyad Mahrez-captained Algeria clinched the 2019 edition in Egypt and are favorites to win back-to-back titles when a twice-delayed Africa Cup of Nations finally kicks off in Cameroon on Sunday.

The Desert Foxes are unbeaten in 33 matches a record for an African national team with the amazing run beginning with a 4-1 away triumph over Togo in November 2018. The Algerians are still in top shape since after the last edition and reclaiming the title means breaking a trending jinx in the past five editions. Competing in Group E with  Cote d Ivoire, Equitorial Guinea and Sierra Leone the Algerians are sure to emerge from the group no doubt

The group winners and runners-up are assured of last-16 places while the best four third-placed teams from the six groups also qualify.

Coach Djamel Belmadi has kept faith in the 2019 Cup of Nations-winning team with nine of those who started in the 1-0 final victory over Senegal heading to Cameroon.

While the 45-year-old France-born manager has been criticised for being too loyal to those who conquered Africa, a record of 24 victories and nine draws, and 83 goals scored, speaks for itself.

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Algeria are particularly powerful on the wings, deploying not only Manchester City star Mahrez but also currently clubless Youcef Belaili. The team begin their quest against Sierra Leone on January 11 and many believe without underrating Sierra Leone that three points are guaranteed for Mahrez and his men.