Algeria Vs Togo

Algeria will take on Togo this Thursday in a Group E qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations, with the home team keen to maintain their perfect record in the campaign. After winning both of their initial matches, Algeria currently sits at the top of the group.

Boasting an impressive home record, Algeria has not lost an AFCON qualifying match on their turf since 2007, which boosts their confidence as they aim to build on their recent success under new management.

Algeria approaches the match against Togo with optimism, leading the group with six points from two matches. They have secured wins against Equatorial Guinea and Liberia while keeping clean sheets in both encounters.

The Fennec Foxes enjoy an impressive 16-game unbeaten streak in AFCON qualifiers, with their last defeat occurring in 2018 during an away match against Benin. Their last home loss dates back to 2007, which significantly boosts their confidence heading into the upcoming clash.

Recent performances across all competitions indicate a robust team, as Algeria is currently on a three-match winning streak. Their only loss came against Guinea in a World Cup qualifying match, marking the first competitive game under their new coach, Vladimir Petkovic. Since then, Petkovic's squad has triumphed in three consecutive matches, with two of those victories reinforcing their strong position in Group E. A win in this upcoming match would give the home team a commanding lead in the group.

The hosts boast a talented lineup, featuring stars like Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, which bolsters their status as one of Africa's premier teams. This wealth of talent and experience will be crucial in their effort to overcome a struggling Togo side.

Conversely, Togo enters this match under pressure, having drawn both of their opening group games and earning just two points from those matches. They currently sit in second place behind Algeria and will need to secure points to distance themselves from the other two teams in the group and keep their qualification hopes alive.

The visitors have struggled to secure victories in this qualifying campaign, relying heavily on individual brilliance from key players. Their most recent match, a 2-2 draw against Equatorial Guinea, saw them needing a last-minute equalizer from Kodjo Fo Doh Laba to secure a point.

Defensively, Togo has shown weakness, as evidenced by a five-match winless streak across all competitions and three goals conceded in their opening two qualifiers. Manager Dare Nibombe, who was appointed in July, is still in search of his first win as head coach, and his team's shaky defensive organization will face another major test against Algeria's attacking prowess in this encounter.