Algeria will be targeting a win over Ivory Coast as they finish their Group E assignments in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday night. The clash is set for the Japoma Stadium on Thursday 20 January, kick-off at 16h00 GMT.
The Fennec Foxes are looking for redemption as they wrap up their group stage campaign.
The defending champions are feeling the heat as they are yet to win a match in the tournament and must now restore their pride to revive their Round of 16 hopes.
They are coming into this match from two back-to-back disappointing results in the form of a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea and a goalless draw against Sierra Leone.
The two results mean they must beat Ivory Coast, but their fate depends on how Equatorial Guinea perform against Sierra Leone in the other Group E match.
“It’s not the expected result and yet we did everything, we got several chances but the ball did not go in. We are in a situation of failure, it is a lean moment. Football is not always about rational reasons but let’s be sure, we will fight to stay in this competition,” Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi said after second match.
“It will be against a great team from Côte d’Ivoire which is made up of players playing in the biggest leagues. Regarding the opponent, Equatorial Guinea, they defended with a lot of desire, determination and we couldn’t find the fault, it’s a situation of failure.”
Looking at the West Africans, Ivory Coast will also be aiming to secure safe passage into the round of 16 with a win against Group E rivals Algeria.
The Elephants have not enjoyed a stellar Afcon thus far, beating a lowly ranked Equatorial Guinea 1-0 before being held to a 2-2 draw by Sierra Leone this past weekend.
Ivory Coast though, need only avoid defeat against Algeria to secure a top two finish and progression into the next round.
In head-to-head stats, Algeria and Ivory Coast have met in 24 matches across all competitions since their first clash back in 1965. The Fennec Foxes have claimed nine wins compared to eight for the Elephants, while even games have been drawn.
The other Group E match in this round sees Sierra Leone take on Equatorial Guinea, which will be played simultaneously at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium.
