Mahrez looks to replicate 2019 exploits in Morocco

THE start of the Africa Cup of Nations is edging ever closer with only a matter of hours ahead of the hosts Morocco taking on Comoros at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on Sunday night, and with every nation targeting the title currently held by Ivory Coast, the tournament will not be short of action as we take a closer look at how Group E is shaping up.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

Algeria

Caf ranking: 3rd

Coach: Vladimir Petkovic

Player to watch: Riyad Mahrez

Best AFCON performance: Champions

Tournament prediction: Semifinals

The North African side will be chasing only their third AFCON crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 1990 and more recently in 2019 in Egypt. Entering the competition with one of the most well-balanced squads, Les Fennecs arrive at this tournament following two underwhelming AFCON outings in 2021 and 2023, where they exited at the group stage despite their relatively recent success.

Following the departure of Djamel Belmadi, the former Switzerland head coach Petkovic guided the team to qualification for next year’s World Cup, and with both AFCON and the global showpiece central to the reason for his appointment, this competition will represent his first major tournament test since taking charge.

Burkina Faso

Caf ranking: 12th

Coach: Brama Traore

Player to watch: Betrand Traore

Best AFCON performance: Runners up

Tournament prediction: Round of 16