Lwazi Khuboni

Two African giants will go head to head in the hope of becoming African champions when Senegal play Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations final in Egypt this evening.

Senegal, led by Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, have not been playing their best football in this Afcon but they have been consistent and solid in defence.

Senegal has only conceded one goal in this tournament in their 1-0 defeat against Algeria earlier in the group stages. The Teranga Lions have one of the most talented squads in the tournament as many players play for European clubs in France and England.

This will be Senegal’s second appearance in a final. In 2002, the team lost to Cameroon during penalties, having drawn 0-0 after extra time.

Liverpool star Mane has netted three goals and missed two penalties, but there has been no denying his importance for Senegal as he is the man that most believe that can help Senegal to win the Championship.

Sadio Mane of Senegal is challenged by Riyad Mahrez of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between Senegal and Algeria at 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 27 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Algeria started the campaign well by winning all their group stages games and finishing top of the group. Knocking off Ivory Coast on penalties and Nigeria in the semi- finals will boost their confident going to the final.

The captain and the winger Riyad Mahrez has scored three goals so far including the well taken last minute free kick over Nigeria. The Man City man will be seeking Algeria’s second crown having won the competition in 1990.

Algeria have appeared in two Afcon finals, both against Nigeria. They were hammered 3-0 in Lagos in 1980 and won 1-0 on home soil 10 years later.

The Africa Cup of Nations final will be played in Cairo International stadium in Egypt this evening.

Pictures: BackPagePix, AFCON Facebook page