2019 AFCON final betting preview – Senegal vs Algeria

Sadio Mane’s Senegal take on Riyad Mahrez’s Algeria in a blockbuster AFCON final in Cairo.

6 years ago 0 4

Senegal – +190 at Bovada Draw – +175 Algeria – +196

The biggest football extravaganza on the continent comes to a close this Friday with the final of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Of the 24 teams that took part in the newly restructured competition, only Senegal and Algeria remain, with the two sides set to battle it out in Cairo for the most coveted prize in African football.

Senegal booked their place in the 2019 AFCON final for the first time in 17 years after a hard-fought win over Tunisia on Monday night. The match, whose highlights included missed penalties by Ferjani Sassi of Tunisia and Henri Saivet of Senegal, seemed to be headed to a post-game shootout until a howler by Carthage Eagles goalkeeper Mouez Hassen led to an own goal by Dylan Bronn in extra time.

Algeria made it to the AFCON final thanks to a 2-1 win over a stubborn Nigeria side, and they could not have scripted a more thrilling finish. The Desert Foxes took the lead through an own goal by William Troost-Ekong, but the Super Eagles drew level in the 72nd minute when Odion Ighalo converted from the spot. Extra time seemed a certainty until Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez struck a sensational free kick with the last play of the game to send Algeria into their first AFCON final since their one and only title win in 1990.

Senegal AFCON 2019 team news

Since taking over from the injured Edouard Mendy in the final match of Group C, goalkeeper Alfred Gomis has yet to concede a goal in the tournament. With no serious casualties to deal with, head coach Aliou Cissé looks set to field a very strong lineup against Algeria.

Algeria AFCON 2019 team news

Equally with no known fitness issues, Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi should field an unchanged lineup from the side that squeezed past the Super Eagles.

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Senegal vs Algeria goalscorer odds and tips

Sadio Mane to score at any time – +180 at Bovada
Riyad Mahrez to score at any time – +300

Supporters of the English Premier League will be drawn to AFCON 2019 final due to the huge attraction of two particular individuals, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez.

A cup final pitting Mane against Mahrez will more than anything else signify the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City, especially with the 2019/20 EPL season in sight.

Mane and Mahrez, who have three goals apiece for the tournament, may yet have a chance to finish top of the goalscoring charts, although Odion Ighalo has a toe inside the AFCON Golden Boot having found the back of the net five times for Nigeria.

The EPL duo should be at their glittering best in Cairo on Friday, providing the biggest attacking threats for their respective teams.

Senegal vs Algeria AFCON final predictions

Algeria to win – +196 at Bovada
Total goals under 2.5 – -232.56

Finalists of the competition for only the second time in history, it would be somewhat poetic if Senegal were to win the AFCON 2019 final. The Lions of Terange have a well-rounded squad that is as skilful as it is physically imposing, while their marginal wins in the knockout phase showed they can grind out results in big games.

Although their front line hasn’t been flying, the Senegalese have been impermeable at the back. Aliou Cissé’s charges have scored eight goals and conceded only one in the entire tournament — something that gives them immense confidence ahead of the final.

Nevertheless, the Algerians have set the gold standard. Winners of the 1990 edition when they served as the host nation, the Desert Foxes have wreaked havoc throughout the competition. They are yet to be defeated at Egypt 2019 and have scored an impressive 12 goals in the process.

Of the 22 occasions the two sides have faced off over the years, Algeria have triumphed 13 times while Senegal have only churned out only four wins. The fact Algeria beat Senegal in the group stage, coupled with their adventurous, counterattacking brand of football, could give them an extra edge over the West Africans.