Afcon Stat Pack: All you need to know about Algeria v Tunisia

Even if Algeria does defeat Senegal they need Zimbabwe to hold Tunisia to a draw at least so that they can qualify for the knockout stage.

Now they are guaranteed to top Group B – whatever the result of their final fixture against battling Algeria next Monday. “It’s a big team we are going to play and us as Zimbabwe, we have done our homework; we will pick up from where we left off against Algeria in our last game”, Pasuwa told reporters during his press conference yesterday.

“We made a great start”, said the star who finished third behind victor Riyad Mahrez of Algeria and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon in the 2016 African Footballer of the Year poll.

“I believe there is more humility within the squad now – a realisation that we are just one of many contenders to become African champions”.

“The third match [against Algeria] is as important as all other matches, and we hope to continue on the same path”.

This line up can still be changed as the coach will only use players based on his assessment and their suitability to play against a team like Senegal.

On Thursday, Senegal were too powerful for Zimbabwe and were deserved winners after two early goals in Franceville. “Mahrez scored the two goals of the Foxes but Khama Billiat could have easily gotten a hat-trick, but he was denied by the woodwork and the goalkeeper several times”.

Diouf failed to get a decisive touch on Lamine Gassama’s teasing cross but Senegal did not have to wait long for their second.

The Carthage Eagles also won the only previous clash between the northern neighbours in South Africa four years ago thanks to a late Youssef Msakni goal.

Horror defending cost Algeria against Tunisia as captain Aissa Mandi scored at the wrong end, and Faouzi Ghoulam conceded a penalty.

Naim Sliti made it 2-0 from the spot, and the game would be without further strikes until extra time when Algerian substitute Sofiane Hanni scored a consolation to make it 2-1.

Much of Tunisia’s best work against Algeria involved Khazri, testing the keeper with a free-kick before winning the decisive penalty.

“We are not underestimating them”.