KUMASI. Ghana. Feb 1 (AFP/Inter-net): The top-of-the-table African Nations Cup Group B dash between South Africa and Algeria on Wednesday pits a team among the elite against one trying to return there.

Bafana Bafana (The Boys) won the biennial tournament at the first attempt in 1996 when enjoying home advantage and were runners-up to Egypt in Burkina Faso two vears ago.

They arrived at the 2000 edition lumped with co-hosts Ghana and Nigeria. Cameroon. Egypt and Morocco as favourites to win the first continental championship of the new millennium.

Former champions Algeria were dismissed as outsiders due to poor recent results in the Nations Cup, constant coaching changes, and limited practice matches that included a sevengoal mauling from Brazilian club Vasco de Gama.

Algeria lifted the rocket-shaped cup in 1990 before a gradual decline partly triggered by civil war culminated in the Desert Warriors losing all three first-round matches two years ago.

While South Africa have justified their lofty status of being ranked third in Africa behind Morocco and Tunisia, Algeria held DR Congo and comfortably disposed of Gabon to move within two points of the leaders.

A victory or draw for Bafana Bafana would keep them in the central Ghanaian city of Kumasi for a quarter-final against Ghana on Sunday while a loss would force them Into an Accra showdown with Cameroon.

"I am not saying it will be better or worse in Accra." said playmaker John 'Shoes Moshoeu.

"But we would prefer to stay in Kumasi because the boys are settled here and do not want •unnecessary travelling," added Moshoeu. who has come under fire after lacklustre displays in the tournament but snatched the late winner when the countries clashed in the 1996 quarter-finals.

Algeria could finish first by winning while a loss coupled with a Congolese triumph over Gabon in Accra at the same time would see second place settled by goal difference, goals scored or the toss of a coin.

"Many of the squad that left the previous tournament in disgrace are here," noted Algeri.m midfielder and captain Moussa Saib.

"The difference is experience. We have learnt from our mistakes.

While some Algerians believe we should play for the draw that would secure a place in the knockout stages. I disagree. It is too dangerous a gamble with one mistake capable of spoiling everything. We must play to win."