Algeria’s squad (back L-R) defender Rami Bensebaini, midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, defender Faouzi Ghoulam, goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi, defender Aissa Mandi, forward Islam Slimani, (L-R) forward El Arabi Soudani, defender Mokhtar Belkhiter, midfielder Adlene Guedioura, forward Riyad Mahrez and midfielder Yacine Brahimi pose for a group picture ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group B football match between Algeria and Zimbabwe in Franceville on January 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / KHALED DESOUKI
Five facts for the Africa Cup of Nations Group B match between Algeria and Tunisia in Franceville Thursday (1600 GMT):
— Youssef Msakni snatched a stoppage-time goal to give Tunisia a 1-0 win over Algeria four years ago in the only Cup of Nations match between the northern neighbours.
— Both nations have played 65 matches in the tournament and both have lifted the trophy once, when they had the advantage of being Cup of Nations hosts.
— Algeria triumphed in 1990, defeating Nigeria 1-0 through a first-half goal from Cherif Oudjani in a final watched by a 105,000 crowd in Algiers.
— Tunisia succeeded in 2004 with a 2-1 win over Morocco in Rades and Ziad Jaziri struck the winner after Francileudo Santos put the hosts ahead and Youssef Mokhtari levelled.
— Defender Aissa Mandi was a late choice to lead Algeria in Gabon after regular captain Carl Medjani was axed while long-serving goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi skippers Tunisia.
