Algeria vs Equatorial Guinea Preview & Prediction | 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group E
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The opening game of this CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign for one of the strongest sides on the continent, Algeria, sees them welcome an improving but potentially chaotic Equatorial Guinea to the north of Africa.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Thursday 5th August, 2024 - UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – beIN Sports streaming platforms
ALGERIA PREVIEW: THE PETKOVIC ERA
Djamel Belmadi had helped Algeria enjoy a long unbeaten run in charge but when it came to the big moments they capitulated. They were knocked out in the group stages of both the 2021 and 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, whilst also failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
They still have a squad chock full of stars and are now being led by former Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic. The Algerians come into this one on the back of an inconsistent run of form but they did most recently edge past Uganda by two goals to one on in mid-June.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA PREVIEW: REBUILDING AFTER CONTROVERSY
It has been a brilliant rise from Equatorial Guinea in recent years as they also play quite a progressive and intriguing style of football under the management of Juan Micha. They have, though, endured a difficult few months.
The big story in Equatorial Guinea would be the issue with regards to former captain Emilio Nsue. He remains their all-time top scorer and has led them supremely well but is now banned when it emerged he wasn’t ever eligible to play for Equatorial Guinea after earning 43 caps.
ALGERIA TEAM NEWS: FINDING THE BALANCE
Wolfsburg’s new summer signing Mohamed Amoura is absent for this one but Vladimir Petkovic still has an abundance of talent to work with. Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Said Benrahma and Amine Gouiri make up an exciting Algerian attack.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Mandrea; Attal, Mandi, Madani, Ait-Nouri; Bennacer, Bentaleb, Aouar; Mahrez, Bounedjah, Benrahma
UNAVAILABLE: Amoura (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
EQUATORIAL GUINEA TEAM NEWS: THE NSUE ABSENCE
As mentioned, the key issue for Equatorial Guinea to deal with will be finding an adequate replacement for the goals and leadership qualities of Emilio Nsue. Carlos Akapo is the National Thunder’s new captain.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Jesus Owono; Nestor Senra, Saul Coco, Esteban, Basilio Ndong; Omar Mascarell, Pedro Obiang; Iban Salvador, Pablo Ganet, Josete; Luis Asue
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
ALGERIA VS EQUATORIAL GUINEA PREDICTION
Vladimir Petkovic is an experienced international coach and Algeria are expected to improve on a broader scale but they have remained inconsistent of late. They have two wins, three draws and two defeats in seven matches since the beginning of this year. They now face an Equatorial Guinea side that are looking to emerge into a new era but Juan Micha remains in charge so they should still be easy on the eye to watch. Despite that, Algeria remain firm favourites for this one.
ALGERIA VS EQUATORIAL GUINEA TIP: ALGERIA TO WIN
