Algeria will be targeting a win over Senegal as they finish their Group B assignments in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night.
Coach George Leekens’ charges are looking for redemption as they wrap up their group stage campaign.
The North Africans giants are feeling the heat as they are yet to win a match in the tournament and must now restore their pride to revive their quarterfinal hopes.
They are coming into this match from two back-to-back disappointing results in the form of a 2-1 loss against Tunisia and a 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe. The two results mean they must beat Aliou Cisse’s Senegal, but their fate depends on how Tunisia perform against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the other Group B match.
Algeria occupy number third place in the group with one point from their draw and a loss, but a win with a big score could change their fortunes.
Leekens will hope to see Riyad Mahrez, who scored a brace against Zimbabwe, and Sofianne Hanni, who scored against Tunisia, replicate their form and ensure they win.
Looking at the West Africans, Senegal have already reached the knockout stages of the continental showpiece, but their aim is to finish with another win.
Bagging three wins and not conceding a single goal will be a feat they would like to achieve as they want to remain favourites to lift the trophy.
Following their early qualification to the Last Eight, Cisse could be tempted to rest his key men, but Sadio Mane and Henri Saivet are dangerous players who could penetrate Algeria.
“It’s too early to say (if they can win the title) because we have only played two games,” said forward Mame Biram Diouf.
“It has been a while since we got through to the next stage. Now we are there and we will keep focusing game by game.
“Each game is different, we have to adapt. The coach gives us a game plan, and we go out and try to enjoy the game.”
The encounter will be hosted at Stade de Franceville in Gabon today at 8pm Nigerian time.