In AFCON final; Big names vs team chemistry

The 2019 African Cup of Nations is set to be wound up on Friday as two African giants face off in the finals of the tournament.

North African side Algeria is set to lock horns with West Africa’s Senegal to determine the victor of the 2019 version of the tournament. The two sides have faced off previously in multiple including the group stage match that Algeria won 1-0. It was the only match that Senegal lost as they won other group stage matches against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars and Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

The Lions of Teranga have a chance to avenge their defeat to the Desert Foxes in the group stage fixture. Senegal is said to have under performed in the tournament despite making it to the finals. Looking at the fact that Senegal are the number one ranked side by FIFA in Africa, the Lions of Teranga ought to have convincingly make it to the finals. In fact they are considered the underdogs in the final as they have made it to the finals mainly because of luck.

[Read: AFCON finalists highlight how African coaches can achieve more]

Algeria on the other hand have impressed all through the competition as they have won all their matches under 90 minutes, except the quarter final clash with Ivory Coast. Senegal won its semi final in extra time against Tunisia as a result of an own goal. Algeria was expected to impress in the tournament but very few expected them to make it to the finals.

The star-studded Senegal will have to up their game if they are to stand a chance of winning the tournament for the first time in history. Algeria is a team that does not have as many stars as Senegal but their team chemistry enables to tear apart any defence in Africa, including the Kalidou Koulibaly led Senegal defence.

Algeria’s defence has been the best in the competition so far as they have only conceded two goals throughout the tournament. Can Senegal manage to go through it with their big names striker arsenal? Led by last season’s English Premier League top scorer Sadio Mane, Senegal’s forward line has managed to score 8 goals in but has struggled to score against tough opponents. Algeria is a tough opponent.

The battle to find out the African giant is all that African football fans are waiting for. It is going to be a one of a kind clash on Friday. Senegal with a star-studded line up against Algeria’s extraordinary team chemistry, who will come out victorious?

[See also: Mwendwa breaks silence on Harambee Stars AFCON performance]