Senegal vs Algeria: Predicted lineup, team news, head-to-head, telecast

Senegal won on penalties in the last meeting between the two sides

The anticipation is palpable as two African football giants, Senegal and Algeria, prepare to clash in a friendly match. With both teams topping their respective groups during the qualifying stage, this encounter promises to be a thrilling showdown that fans won't want to miss. In this comprehensive preview, we'll delve into the strengths, weaknesses, and key players of both teams, as well as provide a prediction for the exciting match.

Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions, have been a dominant force in African football. They led Group L during the AFCON qualifiers with 14 points, comprising four wins and two draws. However, coach Aliou Cisse has his sights set on more than just the AFCON finals.

On the other hand, Algeria, the 2019 AFCON champions, had a point to prove after a disappointing performance in the previous edition of the tournament, where they crashed out in the group stage. They rallied, accumulating an impressive 16 points in their qualifying group with five wins and a draw. The Fennec Foxes have undergone a resurgence, winning seven of their last 10 games.

Kick-Off:

Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 7:00 PM (GMT); Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 12:30 AM (IST) at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, ‎Senegal.

Form

Senegal all competitions: D W D W W

Algeria all competitions: D D W W W

Players to watch

Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Friday, as Senegal's coach Aliou Cisse selected five players, including Sadio Mane, for a friendly match against Algeria, he declared that he had altered his opinion about players based in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to Mane, who joined Al Nassr in the summer, the reigning African champion's 25-player list also features four other important players from the Saudi league: Habib Diallo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdou Diallo, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. On September 12 in Dakar, Algeria will play host to Senegal, who has already qualified for the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Mahrez began playing with AAS Sarcelles as a young youngster. He moved to Le Havre a year after becoming a professional with Quimper. He was moved to Leicester City in the English Premier League in January 2014. Mahrez guided the Foxes to an unprecedented Premier League victory in the 2015-16 season after assisting them in gaining promotion toward the end of the 2013–14 campaign. He was also named the Algerian Footballer of the Year, PFA Players' Player of the Year, and a member of the PFA Team of the Year during the aforementioned season. He also received the CAF's Best African Footballer honour in 2016.

Match facts for Senegal vs Algeria

• Senegal has drawn thrice and lost twice in their last five clashes with Algeria.
• In their last five matches, Senegal has scored 12 goals and conceded five.
• In their 10 overall clashes, Senegal has won thrice and lost four times against Algeria.
• Algeria has a strong away record, winning four times and losing only once in their last five matches on the road.
• Both teams share identical recent records, with Senegal winning thrice and drawing twice in their last five matches, mirroring Algeria's performance

Team news for Senegal vs Algeria

Mane, Koulibaly, and Mendy are anticipated to rejoin the Senegal starting lineup, along with Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea, Idrissa Gana Gueye, and Habib Diallo. A 4-3-3 formation should be used by Cisse against the North African team. The 2019 African champions should start Mahrez, Benrahma, and Ramy Bensebaini, with Youcef Atal potentially being a possibility.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 8

Senegal: 1

Algeria: 4

Draw: 3

Predicted lineup for Senegal vs Algeria

Senegal: Mendy; Sabaly, Diallo, Koulibaly, Jakobs; Diatta, Kouyate, Sarr; Mane, Dia, Sarr

Algeria: Mandrea; Atal, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Abdelli, Zorgane, Kadri; Mahrez, Bounedjah, Benrahma

Match Prediction for Senegal vs Algeria

Senegal boasts a star-studded lineup with creative players like Sadio Mane, Boulaye Dia, and Youssouf Sabaly. However, they have faced challenges against Algeria's pace and sharpness, particularly on the flanks.

Algeria, on the other hand, is expected to maintain their fast, smooth, and fluid playing style, with Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amonra leading the attack. These players are known for their deft skills and ability to penetrate defences.

One key factor to consider in this matchup is Senegal's home advantage. Playing on home turf can make a significant difference, and the Senegalese fans will undoubtedly create an electrifying atmosphere at the stadium.

Prediction: Senegal 3-2 Algeria

Telecast

India: No Telecast

UK: Viaplay Sports 2

USA: fuboTV and Fox Sports 2

Nigeria: No Telecast