If one had to predict the outcome of this highly anticipated clash, it would be difficult not to pick the North Africans who have displayed great form all through the tournament starting from the qualification rounds all the way to the final stages. The Ivorians have not been anywhere near as good but who would bet against a team with the caliber of players that the Elephants have?
The reconstruction of the Ivory Coast squad to minimize the effects of the retirement of Didier Drogba has been a testing transitional period for the West African giants and has not gone as smoothly as they would probably have wished. The qualification stage itself was a roller coaster ride for the Drogba-less Elephants who had to endure the embarrassment of being outscored 4-3 by Congo DR in Abidjan.
Things did not improve much in the group stage, where the Ivorians were held to consecutive 1-1 draws by Guinea and Mali. Their third group stage match represented a upturn in fortunes as they were able to defeat Cameroon 1-0 and send the Lions crashing out of CAN 2015.
Their clash vs. Algeria is a great chance for the Elephants to show their intentions towards the glittering AFCON 2015 trophy. Many times in football, a big game is enough to jolt a faltering team back into form and every Ivorian will be hoping this turns out to be the case on Sunday.
The Desert Warriors, however, will be looking to make a case of their own against the ailing Elephants. Ranked #1 by FIFA in Africa, the North African giants will be out to earn their plaudits on the field on 1st February. Whoever the eventual winner, this clash has the makings of an epic encounter.
Ivory Coast Starting XI:
16 S. Gbohouo
4 K. Touré
5 S. Tiéné
17 S. Aurier
22 W. Kanon
21 E. Bailly
19 Y. Touré
20 G. Serey Die
10 Y. Gervinho
15 M. Gradel
12 W. Bony
Algeria Starting XI:
23 R. M'Bolhi
2 M. Bougherra
20 A. Mandi
3 F. Ghoulam
12 C. Medjani
11 Y. Brahimi
10 S. Feghouli
19 S. Taïder
14 N. Bentaleb
15 E. Soudani
7 R. Mahrez
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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