The two favorites to advance out of Group D, Algeria and Burkina Faso, begin the action on Saturday with some degree of familiarity. In 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying both clashes between the two ended in draws with Algeria narrowly edging Les Étalons for a spot in the playoff stage. It was a positive start for Algeria who dominated the early proceedings against unfancied Angola but Les Verts failed to move beyond reach and ended the match with disappointment. Kevin Guitoun came on as a substitute for Atal and the Metz player could appear from the start. Nabil Bentaleb struggled with the pace of Angola and another Nice player, Hicham Boudaoui, is being promoted by supporters as a better option.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 20, 2024 10:12 UTC