Algeria will face Kenya in their second Group C match at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations without Yacine Brahimi in the starting lineup. The FC Porto winger, a key creative force for the Desert Foxes, was omitted by coach Djamel Belmadi, who instead opted for a midfield combination of Adlène Guedioura, Ismaël Bennacer, Sofiane Feghouli, and Riyad Mahrez. Baghdad Bounedjah leads the attack, tasked with converting Algeria’s chances into goals and providing a focal point for the offensive play.
The Algerian side features Raïs M’bolhi in goal, with Youcef Atal and Rachid Bensebaini occupying the full-back positions. Central defense is handled by Aïssa Mandi and Aïssa Benlamri, providing a solid foundation in the backline. The midfield quartet of Guedioura, Bennacer, Feghouli, and Mahrez is expected to control possession, distribute effectively, and support both defensive and attacking phases. Mahrez, in particular, offers creativity and dribbling ability on the right wing, while Feghouli provides width and penetration on the left.
Bounedjah spearheads the attack, combining movement, physicality, and finishing ability to challenge the Kenyan defense. Sofiane Belaili also features in the starting eleven, supporting the frontline and linking play between midfield and attack. This setup reflects Belmadi’s intent to maintain midfield control while ensuring offensive threat, even in the absence of Brahimi’s creativity.
Kenya’s lineup includes Matasi in goal, with defenders Abud, Okumu, Mohammed, and Otieno forming the back four. The midfield features Omino, Victor Wanyama, Johanna, and Kahata, with Masika and Ogada supporting in advanced positions. Wanyama’s presence in midfield adds experience, defensive cover, and ball-winning ability, making him a key figure for the Harambee Stars in countering Algeria’s possession-based style.
The clash is expected to see Algeria dominate possession and attempt to impose their tactical rhythm, relying on precise passing, wing play, and coordinated attacks to break down Kenya’s defense. The absence of Brahimi may alter Algeria’s usual dynamics, placing more responsibility on Mahrez and Bounedjah to influence the game. Kenya, meanwhile, will aim to remain compact defensively, disrupt Algeria’s build-up, and exploit any opportunities on the break, with Wanyama orchestrating play from the center of the park.
The match represents a crucial test for both teams in Group C, with Algeria seeking to consolidate their position at the top of the group and Kenya aiming to challenge a favored opponent. The tactical decisions, particularly Belmadi’s midfield choices and Brahimi’s absence, will play a significant role in determining how effectively Algeria can control the game and convert chances into goals.
Starting lineups:
Algeria: M’bolhi; Atal, Bensebaini, Mandi, Benlamri; Guedioura, Bennacer, Feghouli, Mahrez; Belaili, Bounedjah
Kenya: Matasi; Abud, Okumu, Mohammed, Otieno; Omino, Wanyama, Johanna, Kahata; Masika, Ogada
