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FRANCEVILLE. — Star-packed Algeria came to the African Cup of Nations in Gabon as one of the title favourites, but they need a miracle in Franceville today to reach the quarter-finals. A team including African Footballer of the Year Riyad Mahrez must defeat Group B winners Senegal, and hope fellow strugglers Zimbabwe beat Tunisia in Libreville in a simultaneous kick-off.

Those results would see Algeria and Zimbabwe sharing second place with four points each, leaving goal difference, goals scored or the drawing of lots to separate the sides.

Judged by the four matches so far in Franceville, however, victories for Algeria and Zimbabwe are unlikely as Senegal and Tunisia have been much more impressive.

Senegal are assured of finishing first and staying in the southeastern Gabonese city for a quarter-final against the Group A runners-up. Tunisia need only draw with Zimbabwe to seal second spot and secure a Libreville date with the Group A winners.

Belgium-born Algeria coach Georges Leekens accepts the former champions are facing a mammoth task. “Senegal play good football and, in an ideal world, we would have qualified before facing them,” he admitted.

“To be frank, this is going to be a very tough match for us to win. We dare not give away soft goals like we did against Tunisia.

“Unfortunately, we no longer have our destiny in our own hands,” added the handler who took Tunisia to the 2015 Cup of Nations quarter-finals before quitting over a bonus dispute.

An own-goal by captain Aissa Mandi and a suicidal back-header by fellow defender Faouzi Ghoulam led to the 2-1 defeat by neighbours Tunisia.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse says he will not rest his first-choices, even though the result is of academic interest to him with first place sewn up.

“We intend fielding our strongest side,” he said. “This fixture has the potential to be a thriller and all the players want to compete.“I believe that football followers the length and breadth of Africa are looking forward to this match.” — AFP