Algeria are set to take on Sierra Leone in their first 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group E match on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 13h00 GMT.
The encounter will take place at the Japoma Stadium in Cameroonian city of Yaoundé.
The Fennec Foxes are making their 19th appearance in the AFCON finals after finishing top in their qualifying group earlier last year.
The defending AFCON champions will look to Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez to step up in crucial moments with timely goals and assists.
Algeria have unbeaten 33 match run and they hoping to set a new record for the most consecutive matches without defeat in international football.
The Fennec Foxes coach Djamel Belmadi will be looking to ensure that his charges start their title defence with a victory.
“AFCON is a big competition. Our target is to retain our title, even if it won’t be easy. Everyone is waiting for the defending champions,” Belmadi said.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leuone are making their third appearance in the AFCON finals having finished second on qualifying group.
The Lone Stars danger man is ageless wonder Kei Kamara who is very influential on the field of play.
Sierra Leone head coach John Keister will be looking to ensure that the Leone Stars start their group stage campaign with a win.
“This will be Sierra Leone’s third participation in the finals We are going to play in a tough group against big teams, but we will try to put on a good face and represent our colors with dignity,” coach Keister said.
This is Keister’s second stint as the west African country’s national coach. He worked with the side in 2000-2002 as well.
This will be the sixth meeting between Algeria and Sierra Leone
The Fennec Foxes have registered two victories against the Leone Stars who have won once against the North Africans.
