Algeria

Vahid Halilhodžić Vahid Halilhodzic is focused on guiding Algeria to the knockout stages at the FIFA World Cup rather than speculation surrounding his future.

Ghana The threat of Africa Cup of Nations elimination looms large over Ghana, but Jonathan Mensah is ready to bounce back against Algeria.

Mehdi Abeid ​Newcastle United's Mehdi Abeid is expected to be out for a month after sustaining a broken toe while on international duty with Algeria.

Two second-half goals gave Nigeria a winning start to AFCON qualifying against Chad, while Algeria, Mali and Senegal all enjoyed victories.

El-Arbi Soudani Algeria forward El Arabi Hillel Soudani said the African nation's squad are like a family, ahead of their daunting FIFA World Cup campaign.

Mustafa Madjer Following the dismissal of Lucas Alcaraz, the Algerian Football Federation has turned to ex-national team star Rabah Madjer as its new boss.

Algeria Fresh from a first FIFA World Cup win for 32 years, victory over Russia on Thursday would see Algeria make their second-round debut.

In Other News... Fans in a nearby apartment block helped produce a spectacular atmosphere in the Coupe Nationale.

Pierre Aubameyang Riyad Mahrez saw off competition from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sadio Mane to win African Player of the Year at Thursday's CAF gala.