KAA Gent travel to Sporting Braga on Thursday in the Conference League with a largely African core. Algeria’s Abdelkahar Kadri, a midfielder, and Senegal’s El Hadji Seck, a forward, take the leading roles according to projections.
A trip to Portugal for Gent, who face Sporting Braga on matchday 2 of the Conference League league phase. According to AfricaFoot, the Belgian club are expected to field a side that looks like a tour of the continent, with a largely African core.
These are projected line-ups, not a confirmed XI. They give pride of place to Algeria international Abdelkahar Kadri, a midfielder, and Senegalese forward El Hadji Seck. Two attacking profiles for a fixture where the Belgian club have a lot at stake in this competition.
Kadri, the expected metronome
At the heart of the play, Algeria international Abdelkahar Kadri is expected to be the starting playmaker. He is being closely watched for his set-piece delivery, according to AfricaFoot.
Around him, Cameroon’s Aimé Omgba would complete the midfield alongside Max Dean and Bénes. A three-man midfield that will have to set the tempo against Braga, at home.
A Seck-Goore duo up front
Up front, Gent are expected to entrust the attacking play to an African duo: Senegalese forward El Hadji Seck, partnered with Ivorian Bi Christ Hyllarion Goore, also a forward. The projected shape is a compact 4-4-2, with two tight lines.
At the back, the flanks should go to Abdoul Rachid Ayinde and Mamadou Diallo, according to the same projections. They will have to hold up against a Braga side rated favourites at home, at odds of 1.59 with sports operators.
At least a draw in their sights
The Belgian club are targeting at minimum a draw to stay in the race for qualification for the knockout phase. Braga go into this match in Portugal as the bookmakers’ favourites.
These line-ups remain projections, unconfirmed at this stage. The Sporting Braga – KAA Gent match is scheduled for this Thursday, on matchday 2 of the league phase.