Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne has released his squad that will play Algeria in the African Cup of Nations opener at Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Sunday evening.
As expected, Patrick Matasi starts on goal while Philemon Otieno and Abud Omar will operate on the wings. In the absence of injured Joash Onyango, coach Migne has once again overlooked Zesco United man, David “Calabar” Owino and partnered Musa Mohamed and USA based rookie Joseph Okumu at the heat of defence.
Captain Victor Wanyama slots into midfield where he will partner the ever-green Sofapaka midfielder, Dennis Odhiambo. Gor Mahia attacking midfielder Francis Kahata will play right in front of the two.
China based speedster Ayub Timbe will operate on the right flank while Sweden based attacking midfielder Erick Johanna will operate on the left wing. Lanky striker Michael Olunga will lead Kenya’s attack.
On the bench, Migne has the likes of Paul Were, John Avire ,Masoud Juma, Erick Ouma, David Owino and Johanna Omolo to turn to.
Starting XI: Patrick Matasi (GK), Philemon Otieno, Musa Mohammed, Joseph Okumu, Aboud Omar, Dennis Odhiambo, Victor Wanyama, Francis Kahata, Eric Johanna, Ayub Timbe, Michael Olunga.
Subs: John Oyemba, Farouk Shikalo, Bernard Ochieng, David Owino Erick Ouma, Ismail Gonzalez, Johanna Omolo, Paul Were, Ovella Ochieng, John Avire, Masoud Juma
His Algerian counter part Djamel Belmadi has released his team that will take on Sebastien Migne’s charges.
Rais M’Bohli starts in goal and he will be covered by Youcef Attal, Aissa Mandi, Djameleddine Benlamri and Ramy Bensebaini. Ismael Bennacer, Riyad Mahrez and Adelene Guedioura will operate in midfield. Sofiane Feghouli, Youcef Belaili and Baghdad Bounedjah will lead the attack.
Algeria starting XI: Rais M’Bohli, Youcef Attal, Aissa Mandi, Djameleddine Benlamri, Ramy Bensebaini, Adlene Guedioura, Ismael Bennacer, Riyad Mahrez, Sofiane Feghouli, Youcef Belaili, Baghdad Bounedjah
Subs: Doukha Izzeddine, Mehdi Tahrat, Halliche Rafik, Mohamed Fares, Yacine Brahimi,, Adam Ounas, Islam Slimani, Hicham Boudaoui, Delort Andy, Alexandre Oukidja, Mehdi Zeffane, Mehdi Abeid