Over the years, the national sides have faced off for 21 official games and 21 friendlies, but today's Maghreb derby is their first meeting in an African Cup of Nations final round.

For Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic, the game is a must-win affair. "The match against Tunisia will determine our future in this competition," AFP quoted him as saying. "If we get to the quarter-finals you never know what can happen, but we have to get there first."

Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi also set his sights on reaching the CAN quarter-finals. "My players are working really hard and I believe we can go far," he said.

Champions in 1990, Algeria finished 4th in 2010 after their quarter-final extra-time win over Cote d'Ivoire. Tunisia have also experienced Nations Cup glory, lifting the title on home soil in 2004. The Carthage Eagles also made last-eight exits in 2006, 2008 and 2012.