Cameroon qualified at the expense of another African powerhouse Ivory Coast, after edging them out with 15 points
By Kehinde Okeowo
The indomitable Lions will be seeking a World Cup ticket to compensate for their elimination at the semi finals of the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) by Egypt when they host Algeria at the Stade de Japoma, Douala on the 25th of March.
But the visitors will also be hoping to take a good result to the Stade Mustapha Tchaker, Blida in Algeria where the return leg is expected to take place four days later.
The first-leg game will be handled by Botswana referee, Joshua Bondo before both teams head to Algeria on 29th March to meet 2016 African Referee of the Year, Gambian, Bakary Papa Gassama.
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Ranking
Cameroon are the 6th best team in Africa and 38th in the world, they play against a one time best African team, Algeria who are currently 7th on the continent and 43rd in the world.
How they reached playoffs
Cameroon qualified at the expense of another African powerhouse Cote d’Ivoire after edging them out with 15 points, they won 5 games and lost 1 in Group D. Mozambique and Malawi were the other teams in the group.
Their visitor on Friday, Algeria pipped Burkina Faso to the ticket after winning 4 games and drawing 2, they did not lose a match in Group A which had Niger and Djibouti too.
World Cup History
Algeria in addition to pursuing a third appearance at the World Cup will also be trying to make up for their early and disappointing exit from the 2021 AFCON.
Cameroon on the other hand, have appeared at the World Cup seven times, which is an African side, they will be hoping to make it eight on 29th March.
Players to watch out for
Algeria
Islam Slimani
Islam Slimani is one of the players to watch out for in Algeria, he might not have done well at Leicester, but he is scoring the goals at Sporting Lisbon.
He is always a dangerous player in attack, especially with services from Mahrez into the box. He is Algeria’s all time leading goal scorer with 39 goals.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez is one of the fastest and most prolific goalscorers on the African continent. The Algerian who plays for Manchester City scored three goals including a five-star performance to help his country claim their second AFCON glory after 31 years
He has developed into a more versatile player under Pep Gladiola, he is capable of playing anywhere across the front line and his abilities make him a standout player in the English Premier League. He is the captain of his side.
Saïd Benrahma
Saïd Benrahma is one of the most outstanding players at West Ham this season. The 26-year old Algerian international has been consistent for his team and played a key role in West Hams’ defeat of some of the top Premier League teams like Chelsea, and Liverpool.
Benrahma plays more of an attacking role which could be helpful for Algeria in the African World Cup qualifier.
Raïs M’Bolhi
M’Bolhi won his first title with Algeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He was Algeria’s starting goalkeeper as he started every game of Algeria’s tournament winning run and played every minute of the competition for Algeria.
Moreover, he was named as “Man of the Match” against Senegal in the Final as well as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Cameroon
Karl Toko Ekambi
Toko Ekambi has been in fine form since the beginning of the new season. The Cameroonian attacker has been assigned to the attack in most games this season.
He’s contributed more goals than he’s scored this season. Karl Toko Ekambi is one of the big threats to Algeria after his goal exploits at the 2021 AFCON.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Cameroon star Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is one of the top players to watch in the playoffs, the Bayern Munich star was absent the last time the country shocked Africa by lifting the African Cup of Nations without some of their most established players.
Choupo-Moting is an experienced player who’s got the flavour to spice up Cameroon’s outing against Algeria.
Andre Onana
Onana is a former Cameroon youth international, who currently plies his trade with Ajax. He was named in Cameroon’s squad for a friendly against France in May 2016.
Onana debuted for Cameroon in a 2–1 friendly win over Gabon in September 2016. He featured in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations third-place win against Burkina Faso. He was involved in a ghastly motor accident on his way to camp but escaped unhurt.
Vincent Aboubakar
Aboubakar has earned over 80 caps for Cameroon since his international debut in May 2010. He was part of their squads for the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015, 2017, and 2021.
He scored the winning goal in the final of the 2017 tournament and was the top goalscorer of the 2021 edition.
Favourite
This is another playoff that is too close to call as Cameroon and Algeria occupy 6th and 7th respectively, so they are difficult to separate.
Before 2021 AFCON one would have called Algeria the slight favourite, but on current form, odds favour the Indomitable Lions.