African cup of Nations 2017
Group B (Match day 2)
Algeria vs Tunisia 7pm
The game between Algeria and Tunisia is not only a Group B clash at the African cup of Nations but a North African derby for the two sides.
With both teams coming into game two on the back of a slow start to the tournament, the game on Thursday at Stade de Franceville will be a do or die affair.
Algeria needed a late goal from Riyad Mahrez to salvage a point against Zimbabwe in a 2 all draw while Tunisia endured a 2-0 loss to Senegal.
George Leekens, the Algeria coach comes into the clash against Tunisia with a depleted side with several players ruled out with injuries.
First choice goalkeeper Rais M’Bholi and forward Hilal Soudhani who scored 7 goals in the qualifying campaign are completely ruled out of the tie due to a knee injury and hamstring injury respectively.
Leceister City’s striker Islam Slimani is also a major doubt to play against Tunisia after picking a groin injury in the first game.
Tunisia under Polish tactician Henryk Kasperczak have no injury concerns and will be aiming to overcome neighbours Algeria to brighten their chances of advancing to the next stage.
Wahbi Khaziri who started on bench against Senegal is expected to start along side Ahmed Akaichi.
The only meeting between the two sides at African cup of Nations came in 2013 and Tunisia won 1-0 courtesy of a late goal from midfielder Youssef Msakni.