Reigning Africa champions, Algeria begin the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations title with a contest against Sierra Leone at the Japoma Stadium today.

The teams have been drawn in Group E of this year’s tournament alongside Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Leone Stars will be playing in Green Jersey today.

“It is very important for the people of Sierra Leone that we come here and represent the country,” Leone Stars Coach, John Keister said in Douala on Monday as the west African nation appear at the continental tournament for the first time since 1996.

“As a nation, if we want to be coming to this competition every two years we have to come here and play against the better teams in Africa.

“It helps our development but we are looking forward to it and we are going to be competitive, that’s for sure.”