Algeria too strong for Kenya

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Jun 23, 2019. 23:52

Algeria were just too strong for Kenya as the claimed a 2-0 win over the Harambee Stars in a one-sided 2019 Africa Cup of Nations clash at 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday evening.

The Desert Foxes outclassed their opponents who seemed more focussed on hurting the North African's with ill-timed tackles.

Algeria opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 34th minute following a reckless challenge by Dennis Omino on Youcef Atal inside the penalty area. Baghdad Bounedjah duly stepped up to the mark and made no mistake to hand Algeria the lead.

Riyad Mahrez doubled Algeria's advantage on the cusp of half-time, striking home a left-footed drive following an assist from Ismaël Bennacer, who burst past his man down the left flank before cutting back to the unmarked Manchester City winger.

The game failed to spark into life following the break as Kenya found it increasingly difficult to break down the Algerian defence. Victory moves the Desert Foxes level on points with Group C rivals Senegal who they face in four days time.

Kenya will be hoping for an improved performance when they take on East African rivals Tanzania on Thursday.

Algeria (2) 2 (Bounedjah 34' Mahrez 43')
Kenya (0) 0

Algeria: Mbolhi; Mandi, Benlamri, Atal, Bensebaini, Mahrez, Feghouli, Guedioura (Abeid 71'), Bennacer, Belaili (Brahimi 74'), Bounedjah (Delort 81').

Kenya: Matasi; Okumu, Omar, Musa, Otieno, Ayub, Omondi (Omolo 72'), Kahata (Ouma 46'), Wanyama, Omino (Gonzalez 89'), Olunga.