Senegal set for cracker against Algeria

Senegal will be on a mission to bag three wins against Algeria when they wrap up their Group B campaign of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournament at the Stade de Franceville in Gabon today. Kick-off time is 9:00pm

Although the West Africans have already reached the knockout stages of the continental showpiece, their aim is to finish their group stage campaign in style with a win.

Bagging three wins and not conceding a single goal will be a feat they would like to achieve, as they want to remain favourites to lift the trophy.

However, coach Aliou Cisse could be tempted to rest some of his charges as the mission to reach the Last 16 has been accomplished.
Senegal have successfully claimed six points from their two wins over the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and the Warriors of Zimbabwe respectively.

Despite the possibility of resting his key players, Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Henri Saivet are players with the ability to frustrate Algeria.

“It’s too early to say (if we can win the title) because we have only played two games,” said Senegal forward Mame Biram Diouf.

“It has been a while since we got through to the next stage. Now we are there and we will keep focusing game by game.

“We now have the mentality where we try to achieve as a team. For us we have to take it game by game and keep trying our best.

“Each game is different, we have to adapt. The coach gives us a game plan, and we go out and try to enjoy the game.”

George Leekens’ charges, on the other, are looking for redemption as they wrap up their group stage assignments.

The North Africans are under pressure to restore their pride and get a win to revive their quarterfinal hopes.

Coming from a 2-1 loss to North African neighbours Tunisia and a 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe means they must beat Senegal.

• Culled from supersport.com