Verdict: Algeria win and under 3.5 goals
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Two nations looking to secure their spot in the semi-finals of this year s African Cup of Nations, a high-flying Algeria will face off against the Ivory Coast at the New Suez Stadium on Thursday evening.
Ivory Coast
Starting with the Ivory Coast, while Les Éléphants may have managed to pick up an incredibly hard-fought 1-0 win over Mali last week to secure them a quarter-final spot, Head Coach Ibrahim Kamara will know that his side had luck on their side. Despite Crystal Palace Wilfried Zaha bagging the winner at the New Suez Stadium last weekend, the Oranges once again flattered to deceive. With the likes of Moussa Marega and Moussa Djenepo missing a string of golden opportunities for Mali, the West African giants must improve on their recent performances if they re to replicate their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations success. Despite winning three of their four matches out in Egypt this summer, Kamara will have some concerns over Les Éléphants defensive struggles. The Oranges have recorded just a pair of clean sheets in their last seven appearances across all competitions.
Team News
Ivory Coast still have doubts over Serge Aurier, which is a blow ahead of this huge game.
Algeria
As for Algeria, after failing to make it out of the group stages out in Gabon two years ago, few would have expected El Khadra s stellar rise two years later. Putting in yet another dominant display in their empathic 3-0 win over Guinea last weekend, Head Coach Djamel Belmadi has seen his side transform into one of the leading contenders this summer. Led by attacking talisman and Manchester City ace Riyad Mahrez who once again found the net last week, the Greens have won each of their four matches out in Egypt and held a three-point buffer over Senegal at the top of Group C. Now enjoying a five-match winning run across all competitions and unbeaten in their last nine outings, a run that stems back to the middle of November, the former Marseille midfielder will be most impressed by Algeria s continued defensive resolve. El Khadra are yet to concede a single goal at this summers tournament and are the only team in Egypt to achieve that feat.
Team News
Algeria have no injury news ahead of this clash. They ll start with their 4-1-4-1 system once again.
Key Factors to Consider
Algeria have won each of their four matches at this year s African Cup of Nations.
Algeria are also enjoying a five-match winning run across all competitions.
The Ivory Coast have recorded just two clean sheets in their last six matches across all competitions.
Adam Ounas has three goals this summer averaging a goal every 29 minutes.
Conclusion
While the Ivory Coast might still hold a fearsome reputation across Africa, Ibrahim Kamara s men have struggled to find their best form out in Egypt this summer. Given Algeria s continued revival and arguably the in from side at this year s AFCON, we re backing El Khadra to come away with the victory and a spot in the semi-finals at the New Suez Stadium on Thursday evening.
Verdict: Algeria win and under 3.5 goals
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