Algeria will this evening take to the field against the Harambee stars of Kenya in a Group C encounter to be played at 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

Winners of the Afcon in 1990, Algeria will be searching for their second title in Egypt.

Algeria finished top of Group F in qualifying ahead of runners up Benin. Baghdad Bounedjah was top scorer for the Desert Warriors on 3 goals with Man City star Riyad Mahrez getting two for himself.

Kenya on the other hand finished as runner-up in qualifying behind Ghana in Group F. Michael Olunga was top scorer for Kenya with 2 goals.

The Harambee Stars will be looking make it past the group stages for the first time in their history.

Head to Head

Kenya and Algeria have met on seven occasions, 3 wins for each and a draw. On 2nd June 1996, Kenya handed Algeria a beating in a 1998 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, in a famous 3-1 victory at the Nyayo Stadium.

This will be the first meeting of the two sides at the Africa Cup of Nations Tournament.

Key Battles

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi who took over in August 2018 will have the task of picking a starting lineup he hopes will deliver the 3 points against Kenya. Yacine Brahimi, Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani are expected to lead the attack though Belmadi might be tempted to also start Bounedjah.

Sebastian Migné has at his disposal Michael Olunga who could partner with Ayub Timbe and also maybe John Avire.

The key Battles will be in midfield where two of the best will go toe to toe on the pitch. Sofiane Feghouli of Algeria and Victor Wanyama, two top midfielders in World Football will do battle tonight.

Another interesting tussle could be between Eric Ouma and Riyad Mahrez. If Ouma does start at left back for Kenya, it will be interesting to see how he handles Mahrez who likes to operate on the right and cutting in in his left foot.

Both teams are confident going into this fixture as all eyes will be on 30 June Stadium with kick off set for 22:00 CAT/23:00 EAT

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer