Kenya’s Harambee Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat to Algeria in their Group C opener at the Total Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019 in Cairo on Sunday, with Riyad Mahrez getting on the score sheet.

As expected it was the Algerians who started the match with a purpose and came rampaging on Patrick Matasi’s goal area, Baghdad Bounedjah and Mohamed Belaili coming close to the opener in the early stages.

Matasi was called to duty again into stopping a 24th minute Belali strike which was heading into the net.

Eventually, the pressure paid off for Algeria with Kenya conceding a reckless penalty, Youcef Atal brought down by Dennis Odhiambo. Baghdad converted to give the Desert Foxes a 34 minute lead.

Riyad Mahrez doubled the Algerians lead with a a deflected effort off defender Abud Omar from Ismael Bennacer’s cut back.

Algeria two goals up at half time and on their way to victory.

However, the North Africans looked like they took the pedal off the gas in the second period with very little attack as Kenya displayed a bit of composure on the ball.

But Olunga was isolated and fed on scraps with very few chances in the game. Algeria were happy to settle for a 2-0 scoreline and join Senegal on top of Group C.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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