Algeria leaves stars out of Zambia game

Algeria will play Zambia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match without their main stars, including Manchester City striker Riyad Mahrez and Real Betis central defender Aissa Mandi.

The African champions have already secured a place in the finals of the delayed tournament but they will want to maintain their unbeaten run that goes back to November 2018.

The Desert Foxes will also play without Saidi Benrahma (West Ham United), Ismail Bennacer (AC Milan), and Rami Bensebaini (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

Playing without their main stars could be a real challenge for the defending champions, but manager Djamel Belmadi believes "it is an opportunity for new players to show their abilities and fight for a place in the starting team".

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: BBC News