Algeria 2 Kenya 0: Mahrez scores in comfortable success

Riyad Mahrez scored as Algeria secured a routine 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations win against Kenya in Group C on Sunday.

The Manchester City star was a constant threat in Cairo as Algeria started the tournament in impressive fashion.

Having not even made it out of their group in 2017, Algeria took a deserved 34th-minute lead when Baghdad Bounedjah converted from the penalty spot.

Mahrez doubled Algeria s advantage just before half-time with a deflected effort and Djamel Belmadi s men comfortably saw out the second half to seal the three points.

COLD AS ICE

— CAF (@CAF_Online)

Algeria had a chance inside 60 seconds, Bounedjah shooting wide, and it set the tone for a one-sided first half.

The chances came at regular intervals for Algeria, Mahrez having a pair of free-kicks deflected off target, while Youcef Belaili went close on two occassions.

So it was no surprise when the opening goal came, with Dennis Odhiambo conceding a penalty for his foul on Youcef Atal and Boundejah calmly stroking the spot-kick past Patrick Matasi.

And, after Boundejah headed just over, Mahrez got his goal, turning in Ismael Bennacer s cross from 12 yards with a cool left-footed strike.

The second half was a turgid affair full of fouls and stoppages, with only Mahrez s moments of quality bringing life to the contest.

But the job was done for Algeria, among the favourites to win the tournament, ahead of a much tougher test against Senegal on Thursday. 

Kenya s next clash is far more winnable, with the Harambee Stars set to meet Tanzania.

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