World Cup 2010: Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri dropped

Mansouri will not lead the team out against Slovenia

Algeria captain Yazid Mansouri has been dropped for their opening World Cup match against Slovenia on Sunday.

The 32-year-old hard-tackling midfielder will be replaced by Hassan Yebda, who will be joined in the centre of midfield by French-born Medhi Lacen.

Coach Rabah Saadane has handed the captaincy to defender Antar Yahia.

Yahia, 28, is best known for the stunning volley that secured Algerian their World Cup ticket when they beat Egypt 1-0 in a play-off in November.

Saadane, the only African coach at the first World Cup on the continent, stated that his selection had to be based on form and that meant taking tough decisions in the interests of the team.

"For any player, it is always difficult to explain to him, to make him understand he's lost his placed due to competition," he said.

"We must do it, even if it's painful."

Algeria's preparations for the tournament have been disrupted by injuries.

However, Saadane, who is in his fifth spell as Algeria coach, revealed that any concerns over his players' fitness had been laid to rest this week allowing the squad to work together.

While the 64-year-old has acknowledged his side is the weakest in Group C, he said that the fact that there is no pressure or expectation could help his team.

"We will play each game like a cup match. We are going to compensate for our technical weaknesses with the desire we have always shown in our qualifying matches," commented Saadane, whose men must also play England and the United States.

He added that Slovenia would be extremely tough opponents because they had not suffered many injuries, nor had to change their line-up much and this meant trying to strike a good balance between defence and attack.