Zimbabwe surprised Algeria with a 2-2 draw in their AFCON opener, and Aliou Cisse has warned Senegal against underestimating them.

Senegal will look to defend their status as one of the favourites for Africa Cup of Nations glory when they take on Zimbabwe in Franceville on Thursday.

After beginning their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Group B rivals Tunisia, Aliou Cisse’s side know that another win will send them into the quarter-finals. NaijaBet 

Zimbabwe Coach Callisto Pasuwa will be sweating on the fitness of exciting midfielder Knowledge Musona who limped off in the game against Algeria.

Khama Billiat was brilliant against Algeria and will hope to continue in that form against a strong Senegalese side while skipper and midfield enforcer Willard Katsande will hope to lead by example again after scoring against Algeria.

Goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi and striker Hilal Soudani are both out of the Stade de Franceville clash, while Leicester forward Islam Slimani is a doubt.

The Desert Foxes need the likes of Leicester star Riyad Mahrez to secure a win after drawing their opening CAN fixture 2-2 against Zimbabwe, while Tunisia’s 2-0 defeat against Senegal means there the Eagles of Carthage have no room for error this time around.

The point means Algeria’s fate remains in their hands, but they will be eager to take all three against a Tunisia side who were beaten 2-0 by Senegal on match day one and will be out if they lose again.

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Algeria – Mahrez will undoubtedly have Tunisia’s defence worried, but the impact of Slimani could be key. Place your bet on NaijaBet.com 

The Leicester City striker set up his team-mate for the opening goal against Zimbabwe and his aerial threat will likely prove a problem for a defence who conceded their second goal against Senegal from a corner.