RIYAD MAHREZ and Algeria are aiming to return to the World Cup as they face Cameroon over two legs.
The Fennec Foxes have been an enigma in recent years as they missed out on the 2018 World Cup, but then won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and the Fifa Arab Cup in December 2021.
2017 Afcon champions Cameroon also failed to qualify for the last World Cup and will be looking to put things right this time around.
- Kick-off: 5pm GMT
- TV channel/ live stream: Mola TV
- Cameroon XI: Team news to follow…
- Algeria XI: Team news to follow…
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From heroes to zeros
A few months ago, Algeria would have been seen as clear favourites.
Heading into the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as defending champions, a 35-match unbeaten streak came to an end in embarrassing fashion as the North Africans were eliminated in the group stage without winning a game.
Not qualifying for the World Cup would be seen as yet another failure for Algeria’s golden generation.
New manager, different focus
After their exit from the AFCON tournament at the semi-final stage, Toni Conceição was sacked as head coach.
He was replaced by Rigobert Song, who won 137 caps as a player, taking his first senior job in management.
The ex-Cameroon defender will be hoping to win his first game as manager here today.
Strong qualifying campaign
Cameroon saw off the threat of Ivory Coast in their final Group D fixture.
This saw them emerge as group winners with a total of 15 points from a possible 18.
They will be looking to put their AFCON semi-final disappointment behind them.
Taking form into playoffs
Algeria ended their Group A qualifying campaign unbeaten.
They managed to pick up four wins and two draws to finish group winners ahead of Burkina Faso.
Standing in their way are a side who are unbeaten in the last seven games against the Desert Foxes.
Hosting nothing but disappointment
The fans in Cameroon were all hopeful of winning the AFCON tournament when they were chosen to host it but these dreams were not to be fulfilled.
Knocked out in the group stages, this was a shambolic performance by the hosts which eventually saw Conceicao being replaced as manager.
Having missed out on the 2018 World Cup, Djamel Belmadi’s side will be looking to put a disappointing continental display behind them and book their tickets to Qatar.
Welcome to Cameroon vs Algeria
The Limbe Stadium today hosts a 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff which pits two African giants together as Cameroon play Algeria over two legs to book their place in Qatar.
The Indomitable Lions are seeking to reach the World Cup finals for the eighth time in their history, while Algeria are looking to book their fifth appearance at the finals.
There is no major injury concerns for either side, with Swansea City’s Oliver Ntcham has received his maiden call-up for Cameroon despite representing France at youth level.
Thirty-five year old Rais M’Bolhi is closing in on 100 appearances for Algeria as he seeks to join Lakhdar Belloumi as the only men to have reached this milestone.
Riyad Mahrez was largely underwhelming during AFCON for Algeria and his nation will need him back to his best if they are to emerge victorious in this one.
Vincent Aboubakar scooped the AFCON golden boot with eight goals in seven games and will definitely be a player that Algeria will have to watch if they plan on having a positive result in this World Cup playoff.
Sitting out tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup is something neither team want to experience this winter and will be doing all they can to ensure their places on the planes to Qatar are confirmed.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
