The Fennecs of Algeria started their AFCON 2019 campaign on a winning note as they beat the Harambee Stars of Kenya 2-0 on Sunday.
Goals from Baghdad Bounedjah and Riyad Mahrez gave the Algerians their first three points of the tournament.
The Algerians started the game the brighter and came close twice with Baghdad and Belaili getting chances to punish the Kenyans. The Kenyan goalkeeper Matasi made a great save in the 24th minute when he stopped Belali’s shot after the Kenyan defence was caught napping.
At about half an hour, Algeria’s Youcef Atal was brought down by Kenya’s Dennis Odhiambo and the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty, which was converted by Baghdad for Algeria’s first goal.
In the 43rd minute, Ismael Bennacer ran to the byline and cut the ball back to Mahrez who was free in the box and his first-time shot took a deflection off Omar before hitting the back of the net.
The victory for Algeria means they and Senegal (who beat Tanzania 2-0 earlier in the day) are top of Group C with 3 points and 2 goals each.