Algeria vs Libya

Algeria is hoping to return to a major competition. Libya, is hoping to qualify for a competition the country was supposed to host. A North African derby will be reacquainted for a spot at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Since 1980, Algeria had performed well in Africa and sometimes on the world stage. A country remembered for its upset of West Germany at World Cup 1982, Algeria would finish in the top four in five of seven AFCON tournaments from 1980 to 1992, including winning AFCON 1990 as the host nation. 

However, Algeria was disqualified for AFCON 1994, and the country struggled for the next 14 years, culminating in its worst ranking in June 2008.

Few expected Algeria to even qualify for the 2010 World Cup. However, with Madjid Bougherra as captain, Algeria managed to reach AFCON 2010 and the 2010 World Cup, the latter done through a one-game playoff against Egypt. In AFCON 2010, Algeria managed to score only once in the group stage, courtesy of Rafik Helliche against Mali. Strangely enough, that goal would propel Algeria to a fourth place finish. Months later, Algeria fought valiantly in the 2010 World Cup, as the country drew England 0-0 and allowed only two goals, but still finished last. Along with Bougherra, Islam Slimani has provided a scoring option, as he has scored four goals in his first four games.

Algeria has reached this round courtesy of two impressive victories against Gambia: a 2-1 come-from-behind victory in Bakau, Gambia and a 4-1 rout at home in Blida, with Slimani scoring in the second leg. Prior to that, in the first leg, Algeria tied Gambia through a goal by Anter Yahia, the same player who scored the decisive goal against Egypt in the one-game playoff to send Algeria to the 2010 World Cup.

Libya is hoping to reach just its fourth ever AFCON tournament, but the first time in consecutive tournaments. This situation would have already happened, as Libya was originally scheduled to host AFCON 2013. However, due to the Libyan Civil War, South Africa replaced Libya as hosts on September 28, 2011. Libya was stripped of its automatic spot for AFCON 2013.

However, despite civil war, Libya managed to qualify as one of the two best runners-up in qualifying for AFCON 2012. Although eliminated in the group stage, Libya won its first ever AFCON game outside of home soil against Senegal. That victory has helped Libya to its best ranking ever. With many of those players still on the team, Libya is looking to emulate the glory days of the 1980s. In that period, Libya hosted AFCON 1982 and finished as runners-up. The country also missed out on qualifying for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, losing to Morocco 3-1 on aggregate.

Despite being the only North African nation to have not grace a FIFA World Cup, Libya has started strong. Following the 2-1 victory over Senegal in AFCON 2012, Libya sits atop its group after two games in FIFA World Cup qualifying.  A dramatic 2-1 home win against Cameroon came days after Libya tied in Togo 1-1. After AFCON 2012 qualifying, Algeria has managed victories in friendlies against Tunisia and Niger. Algeria began World Cup qualifying with a 4-0 rout at home against Rwanda, but felt 2-1 to Mali in a game played in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Which North African nation will survive this derby and qualify for AFCON 2013? The answer will come this October.