Group E giants Algeria will look to establish their names on AFCON 2021 against a determined Sierra Leone. Captain Riyad Mahrez comes into Les Vert’s squad in fine form and keep your eye on the winger to take his chances at the golden boot for the tournament. Sierra Leone have not been a part of the AFCON since the 1996 edition in South Africa and it will be their chance to find themselves in major competition. I am excited for the biggest tournament on the African continent, so let’s see where we can earn some coin along the way.
Africa Cup of Nations – Group E
Tuesday 11 January
Japoma Stadium
15:00
To Win
Algeria 2/11
Algeria 2/11
Draw 42/10
Sierra Leone 17/1
Sierra Leone 17/1
Algeria
One of the big favourites to go into the AFCON and lift the trophy is without question defending champions Algeria. The North African team found themselves accumulating the second most points (14) behind Tunisia who recorded 16 total points.
For me, The Dessert Warriors are bound to be the most dangerous team in the final third scoring the most goals in qualification (19)
With forwards like Adam Ounas, Said Benrahma and Riyad Mahrez to name a few there’s no question the opposition defence will have their hands full. Les Verts have gone the entirety of 2020 to 2021 without tasting defeat (P21, W14 D7).
They not only have taste for winning, but a taste for lifting trophies and it is fresher than their AFCON 2019 win, but rather they have won the recent FIFA Arab Cup beating Tunisia by two goals.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone come into their third ever AFCON finals confidently. One loss out of their six qualifying matches, coupled with two draws against Nigeria (who topped the group) with one famous 4-4 result for the history books.
The Leone Stars are not going to go down without a fight in this group and I wouldn’t be surprised if they pull off a draw against one of the two favourites. Forward player Kei Kamara is bound to bring some flair to this encounter and give Algeria a run for their money.
One concern I have with Sierra Leone is the defensive line finding themselves all over the place during their draws with Nigeria. Former player and now coach of Sierra Leone, John Keister, has bought about some growth and belief since being appointed in 2017, and they will want to really make a name for themselves after missing out in recent times.
Prediction: Algeria + Over 2.5 (19/20)
The desire by Sierra Leone will be evident, but to put things short, Algeria win this match comfortably. Head coach Djamel Belmadi will want to establish his authority in the tournament and the first game is looking to be a walk in the park. To add value, we must check out the Totals market, and with no disrespect to Sierra Leone, Algeria put the smaller teams to the sword.
Written by Joshua Gaillard