Preview: Senegal vs. Algeria - prediction, team news, lineups

The last two African champions — Senegal and Algeria — face off on Tuesday in a friendly game at Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor.

Aliou Cisse's men ended their Africa Cup of Nations qualification phase atop their group, as did the Fennec Foxes, who went unbeaten.

Match preview

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African champions Senegal almost tied Nigeria, Mali and Algeria as the sides with the most wins in AFCON qualifying only for a late Rwanda equaliser to leave the Lions of Teranga on four victories.

Cisse's men went unbeaten in their six games, claiming four wins and playing out two draws, a feat they share with the side they face on Tuesday.

The team that drew Rwanda 1-1 was much-changed for Senegal, without Edouard Mendy in goal, Kalidou Koulibaly in defence or Sadio Mane up top, but the trio could be involved against the 2019 African champions.

Senegal were defeated by Algeria in the AFCON final four years back, but Cisse's success since has lessened the blow of that defeat in Cairo.

The Lions of Teranga are undefeated since their 3-0 loss against England at the 2022 World Cup, with the senior team unbeaten in five matches.

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That run could extend to six, and Senegal's returning stars could play a pivotal role in keeping their run going.

As for Algeria, Djamel Belmadi's men almost went the entirety of AFCON qualifying unblemished, but a goalless encounter with Tanzania on Thursday meant they ended with 16 points from a possible 18.

Be that as it may, no nation outdid the North African side in the qualification phase, thus giving them confidence heading into next year's finals after their disastrous defence in Cameroon.

Riyad Mahrez and Said Benrahma were second-half substitutes in the draw, but they could return to the side against the defending African champions.

Algeria conceded two goals in qualifying, underscoring the side's defensive strength, and it remains to be seen if their backline holds out against Mane and his teammates.

Having played out draws in their last two games in all competitions, the Fennec Foxes seek their first victory in three against Senegal.

Team News

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Mane, Koulibaly and Mendy are expected to return to the Senegal lineup, alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye, Habib Diallo and possibly Chelsea frontman Nicolas Jackson.

Cisse ought to utilise a 4-3-3 against the North African side.

Mahrez, Benrahma, and Ramy Bensebaini should start for the 2019 African champions, with Youcef Atal also considered.

Belmadi's formation on Tuesday could mirror Cisse's 4-3-3.

Senegal possible starting lineup:

Mendy; Sabaly, Diallo, Koulibaly, Jakobs; Diatta, Kouyate, Sarr; Mane, Dia, Sarr

Algeria possible starting lineup:

Mandrea; Atal, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Abdelli, Zorgane, Kadri; Mahrez, Bounedjah, Benrahma

We say: Senegal 2-2 Algeria

Both teams are in fine form, and it is hard to separate Senegal and Algeria, with a score draw possibly in the offing.

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