Senegal v Algeria: Africa Cup of Nations final preview, free tip & TV details

Eurosport 2, 8pm Friday

Senegal are eyeing their first Africa Cup of Nations crown but standing between them and the trophy are Algeria, a team they have never beaten in the competition.

The Lions of Teranga are winless in eight Afcon meetings with their northern rivals and that dismal run could be extended in the tournament's showpiece encounter in Cairo.

Algeria progressed through the tougher half of the knockout draw with wins over Guinea, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

They are the more battled-hardened team, with Aliou Cisse's men have had to navigate more straightforward ties with Uganda, debutants Benin and an uninspiring Tunisia outfit.

Teams can only beat what is in front of them but Senegal did so in underwhelming fashion, winning each of their knockout ties 1-0.

That illustrates a lack of potency in the final third and their reliance on Liverpool star Sadio Mane. Algeria, meanwhile, have a host of attacking talents to call upon.

Riyad Mahrez has been the star of the show but his tally of three goals in the tournament is matched by winger Adam Ounas, while Sofiane Feghouli and Baghdad Bounedjah have also had good tournaments.

Their cause is helped by the absence of towering defender Kalidou Koulibaly through suspension for Senegal, whose success has been built around their sturdy rearguard with only one goal conceded in their six matches.

That strike came in a group-stage defeat to final opponents Algeria, who are top scorers in the tournament with 12 goals.

North African sides were expected to perform well in Egypt this summer and the Desert Foxes are arguably the only one of those teams to have stuck to the script.

They have had a tendency to put their foot on the pedal as the heat refuses to relent and their superior stamina and range of goalscoring options should see them secure a first Cup of Nations title since 1990.

Recommendation
Algeria to win in 90 minutes
1pt 15-8 Betfred, Betway, Sky Bet
Back this bet with bet365

Key stat
Algeria are unbeaten in their last 12 matches.

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