No African football team has qualified for more World Cups than Cameroon, who has reach seven World Cup final tournaments in its illustrious history. The Elephants will be looking to make that eight when they welcome Algeria on March 25, with the winner of the two-legged tie earning a place in the draw for the 2022 World Cup.
Cameroon had a strong AFCON at the start of the year, managing not to lose a single game and reaching the semifinals before falling to Egypt on penalties. The Elephants won the third-place playoff by the same method, beating Burkina Faso in a shootout. They're managed by Rigobert Song who was appointed to the job from the U-23 role in February. A new manager makes them hard to predict, but the pressure is on for Song. Cameroon has a strong history of reaching the World Cup that it won't want to see fade away.
For Algeria, it's been an up and down few years. Head coach Djamel Belmadi has been heavily criticized at times, but he's delivered results too. His team won AFCON 2019, despite being considered as outsiders by most. That was followed up by a 2021 Arab Cup title that brought a feeling that Belmadi has instilled a winning habit in his team.
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However, the most recent AFCON was a disappointment as Algeria failed to defend its crown in calamitous fashion. A draw against Sierra Leone was followed by losses to Equitorial Guinea and Ivory Coast that culminated in a group stage exit, and the pressure is back on Belmadi. Qualification for the World Cup would go a long way to showing that the tournament was a mere blip, but Cameroon won't make that easy for his side.
How to watch Cameroon vs. Algeria
- Date: Friday, March 25
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- USA streaming: ESPN+
The game, taking place at Japoma Stadium, in Douala, will be streamed exclusively in the USA on ESPN+. ESPN+ is the broadcaster of all of CAF's third round World Cup qualifying games.
Cameroon vs. Algeria projected lineups
While it's hard to fully predict what Rigobert Song's approach will be, we can make some safe assumptions. Andre Onana is almost certain to continue in goal.
With doubts over whether any regular left backs will be available, another defender, such as Olivier Mbaizo may have to deputise there. Andre-Franck Zambo Anguissa will have an important job to do in midfield, while Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi will be key for the attack
Cameroon projected lineup (4-3-3): Onana (GK) — Mbiazo, Ngadeu, Moukoudi, Fai — Anguissa, Gouet, Kunde — Ekambi, Aboubakar, Ngamaleu
Algeria has a strong mix of experience, and players in their prime. Its back four are likely to all be between their mid 20s and their early 30s, ahead of Rais M'Bolhi in goal, who brings almost 100 caps worth of experience.
Ismael Bennacer will be the key man in midfield, to keep things steady during this away leg. Needless to say, Riyad Mahrez will be seen as the key attacker out wide, while Islam Slimani may get the nod up front.
Nigeria projected lineup (4-2-3-1): M'Bolhi (GK) — Bensebaini, Benlamri, Mandi, Atal — Zerrouki, Bennacer — Belaili, Feghouli, Mahrez — Slimani
MORE: AFCON 2022 top goal scorers
Cameroon vs. Algeria betting odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
It remains to be seen how Rigobert Song's Cameroon will perform, but the home advantage should give them the edge in the first leg of this tie. Algeria has quality, but it'll look to make sure they don't lose the tie before their home leg and could look to keep things tight.
- Moneyline: Cameroon +120 / Draw +210 / Algeria +255
- Spread: Cameroon -0.5 (+110) / Algeria +0.5 (-155)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over +170 / Under -240
- Both Teams to Score: Yes +125 / No -170