Preview:Algeria vs. Equatorial Guinea - prediction, team news, lineups

Algeria go in search of their first victory at this year's Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Equatorial Guinea at the Japoma Stadium on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea will be looking to get their AFCON campaign up and running having come away from their opening fixture empty-handed.

Match preview

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Algeria were left frustrated in their AFCON curtain-raiser against Sierra Leone which ended 0-0 on Tuesday.

On a day where Djamel Belmadi's did everything but score, they had to make do with a share of the spoils at the sound of the final whistle.

While the Fennec Foxes would have been disappointed not to have come out on top, it is now 27 games without defeat spanning over two years.

Next up for them is a first-ever clash against an opposing side who currently sit bottom in Group E heading into Sunday's contest.

Equatorial Guinea suffered an agonising 1-0 defeat to the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the sides' meeting on Wednesday.

Max Gradel gave his side the perfect start with a fifth-minute opener, and Juan Micha's men chased an equaliser all to no avail for the remainder of the game.

Nzalang Nacional have made a far from ideal start to the group stage, and it is now imperative that they avoid defeat on Sunday to give themselves a fighting chance heading into the final matchday.

The central Africans take on Sierra Leone in round three, which also sees Algeria and Ivory Coast face off in a heavyweight contest.

Team News

Algeria were guilty of being wasteful in attack against Sierra Leone, which could force Belmadi into making some alterations to his forward line.

Youcef Belaili shook off a knock in the first half to last the full 90 minutes in the aforementioned game, but the winger could be dropped to the bench for this one.

Head coach Juan Micha would have certainly liked what he saw against Ivory Coast, and we expect him to name an unchanged XI as a result.

Record goalscorer and skipper Emilio Nsue had a quiet day in front of goal last time out but remains his nation's most dangerous weapon and is one to look out for.

Algeria possible starting lineup:

M'Bolhi; Bensebaini, Atal, Mandi, Bedrane; Belkebla, Brahimi, Boulaya; Mahrez, Bounedjah, Benrahma

Equatorial Guinea possible starting lineup:

Sapunga; Ndong, Coco, Akapo, Obiang; Salvador, Ganet, Buyla, Machin; Nsue, Hanza

We say: Algeria 3-0 Equatorial Guinea

Algeria suffered a setback in their first group fixture and will be expected to bounce back as all good sides do. We are tipping them to cruise to victory in this one, scoring plenty of goals en route.