Algeria which qualified as the second-best ranked team in the
qualifiers were tipped by most pundits to go through to the next round
alongside favourites Ivory Coast but the Fennec Foxes failed to get off
to a winning start as they lost 1-0 to neighbours Tunisia after
dominating most parts of the match.
After losing their opening games, Algeria and Togo will be targeting their first points when they meet in a crucial 2013 Afcon encounter at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday
The Algerians will have to find a way to rebound mentally from what
was an extremely disappointing defeat against Tunisia having dominated
the game for most spells.
Coach Vahid Halilhodzic will expect his charges led Islam Slimani,
Foued Kadir and Adlene Guedioura who missed many scoring opportunities
against Tunisia to be more lethal in front of goal this time round if
they are to overcome Adebayor led Togo.
Nonetheless, the Bosnian coach must expect a tougher battle against
the Sparrow Hawks who held their own during the 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast
until they were sunk by a late Gervinho winner.
While a number of Algerian stars will look to redeem themselves in
front of goal, the same goes for Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor who will
aim to open his account in the tournament after missing some chances
against Ivory Coast including a one on one in the opening minutes of the
game.
The winner of the game will brighten the chances of reaching the
quarter finals going into the last game while a loss for any will mean
elimination.
