Since the draw of April 12, the poster is salivating all observers. Thursday, June 27, in Cairo, Senegal and Algeria meet at 7 pm to play their second match in this CAN-2019. Unsurprisingly, and especially without forcing, the two selections began their continental campaign with a victory: Sunday, June 23, Senegal did not tremble against the modest Tanzania (2-0), and Algeria has imitated in the wake of Kenya (2-0).

For both coaches, now is the time for serious things and we refer the pressure as a hot potato. "We have a maybe a future Golden Ball, but Algeria has Mahrez, and also a lot of good players, like Brahimi.The arrival of Belmadi has also done a lot of good. It's a real favorite, "said Aliou Cissé, the Senegalese coach.

No favorite, only outsiders?

And his Algerian alter-ego, Djamel Belmadi, replied: "To be a favorite, we should have won once outside our lands [Algeria won its only CAN in 1990 at home, Ed]. been out in 2017, we have not been to the World Cup, there are no ingredients to be favorites. "

Favorites or not, the Lions of Teranga and the Fennecs have in any case reminded everyone that they were ready for this African Cup. In the evening of the last matches of the first day of the African Cup of Nations 2019, Senegal and Algeria are very likely the two selections that impressed most when they entered the race.

What Belmadi has also recognized without hesitation: "This is a match expected by everyone, they are two teams with a certain potential, who started well in their group, with individualities here and there ... Known players internationally. " And with, in particular, the return of the star of the Teranga Lions, Sadio Mané, all the ingredients are now together to witness a real shock between two indisputable contenders for the coronation.

Madagascar on the way to history?

Two other meetings are also scheduled for Thursday, June 27. In the same group C, at the end of the day (22h), Kenya will face Tanzania in what looks like a duel of last chance for the two neighbors.

It will also keep an eye on Madagascar - Burundi, opening (16:30), since if successful, the Malagasy could take a big step towards the knockout stages, after their inaugural draw against Guinea (2-2 ).

  • The program of Thursday, June 27

Madagascar - Burundi at 4.30 pm in Alexandria (Group B)
Senegal - Algeria, at 7:00 pm at Cairo's June 30 stadium (Group C)
Kenya - Tanzania, at 10 pm at Cairo's June 30 stadium (Group C)