Unprecedented continental representation.. 7 stars from 6 African countries ignite Man City and Brighton's Carabao clash

28.10.26 AP EFL Cup (Carabao Cup)

Manchester City

2 (4)

:

Brighton

(3) 2

Manchester City and Brighton's Carabao Cup fourth round clash on Wednesday 28 October, features a strong African presence, with players from Algeria, Ghana, Senegal and Gambia included in the two matchday squads.

The encounter at the Etihad Stadium also features Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and Ivorian international Malick Yalcouye, bringing the number of African players involved in the squads to seven.

According to Manchester City's official team announcement, three African players start the match while four others are available from the bench.

Read Also: African bullets storm the League Cup.. Diouf and Sangare start for Brentford and Ouattara readies on the bench

Algeria: Hadjam starts as Ait Nouri waits on the bench

Algerian international Jaouen Hadjam has been selected in Brighton's starting lineup, operating at left back against Manchester City.

The 23 year old defender has enjoyed a promising start to his career in England following his summer move from Young Boys.

He previously impressed in the Carabao Cup against Manchester United, providing an important attacking contribution as Brighton eliminated the Red Devils.

As previously reported by Foot Africa, Hadjam played a decisive role in Brighton's comeback at Old Trafford.

On the opposite side, fellow Algeria international Rayan Ait Nouri begins among Manchester City's substitutes.

The 25 year old defender has experienced limited playing time this season, making the cup encounter another opportunity to increase his involvement under Enzo Maresca.

Ghana, Senegal and Gambia represented on the bench

Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Osman and Gambia international Yankuba Minteh are both included among Brighton's substitutes.

Minteh 22 remains an important attacking option for the Seagulls, having attracted interest from several Premier League clubs during the summer.

As Foot Africa previously reported, Liverpool continued monitoring the Gambian winger's development.

Meanwhile, Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye is available from Manchester City's bench.

The 26 year old forward joined the Citizens from Everton during the summer transfer window, strengthening their attacking options.

His arrival at Manchester City marked a major step in his career, with the Senegalese attacker seeking to establish himself at one of Europe's leading clubs.

Morocco and Ivory Coast complete the African contingent

Beyond the four countries highlighted, two other African internationals feature in the starting lineups.

Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi starts in Manchester City's midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic while Ivory Coast international Malick Yalcouye earns a starting place for Brighton.

The 20 year old Ivorian has made an encouraging impression this season, with his performances earning praise from Brighton teammate Yasin Ayari.

Their inclusion brings African representation to six nationalities across the two squads.

Manchester City vs Brighton: A place in the quarter finals at stake

The fourth round encounter kicks off at 09:30 GMT at the Etihad Stadium, with the winner progressing to the Carabao Cup quarter finals.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has made nine changes to the team that lost 2-1 against Aston Villa, with Erling Haaland absent from the matchday squad.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has also rotated his selection, giving several players an opportunity to impress.

With Hadjam, Bouaddi and Yalcouye starting and four other African players waiting on the bench, the encounter provides another opportunity for African footballers to make their mark in English domestic cup competition.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Manchester City

Brighton

EFL Cup (Carabao Cup)