Mali V Algeria Preview

As seen in round one, Algeria were overrated and were soundly beaten by the group’s underdog Malawi. Now they’re up against one of the better teams in the tournament, and the way their defense and keeper have played they’re bound to receive an even bigger defeat here.
 
The Algerian camp is boiling with internal fights. The Algerian media is restless in attacking their coach and players, and are calling for Rabeh Madjer to be appointed coach instead of Saadan.
 
Khaled Lamouche left Angola unexpectedly. An Algerian spokesman claimed in was “family issues” but the Algerian media said he had fallen out with Saadan.
 
Also Rafik Saifi “imposed” himself on the starting line-up forcing Saadan to change his tactics, so it appears that Saadan has completely lost control over his squad.
 
Now Saifi has received the news his Qatari club “Al Khour” decided to lay him off for disciplinary reasons according to the club statement. Saifi will be released for free after his contract with Al Khour has been terminated and he is now without a club to play for.
 
Finally, goalkeeper Chaouche had a dispute with 3rd choice keeper during yesterday’s training session after the latter made some remarks on the dismal display Chaouche offered vs Malawi.
 
As for Mali, the team is on very high morales after their historical come back from 0-4 to draw vs Angola, and are looking forward to building up on it by seeing off Algeria to be in pole position to go through.
 
Mali fears the worst though. Malawi could draw to Angola and then draw to Mali themselves later on, so it may come down to the amount of goals scored vs Algeria to decide which 2 of the 3 will advance.
 
This is why I’m betting on over 3.5 goals to be scored in this game, as I’m expecting Mali to go for more goals. Algeria of course may try to score as well, but the way they’ve been playing I wouldn’t expect them to score more than once.
 
Also Mali to win is very well priced, surprisingly! I’ll take that anytime anyday.
 
Picks:
 
Over 3.5 goals @ 4.00 w/ VcBet
Mali win @ 2.40 w/ Stan James