A former Carlisle United player is starring in the Africa Cup of Nations - where he has already helped keep Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez at bay.

Defnder Kevin Wright, who was on the Blues' books in the 2016/17 season, is playing for Sierra Leone in the tournament.

And he came up against Mahrez in their opening game against Algeria.

Left-back Wright helped Sierra Leone to a 0-0 draw in their opening Group E match.

The 26-year-old played alongside former QPR and Tottenham Hotspur defender Steven Caulker and current QPR man Osman Kakay in the encounter in Douala, Cameroon, on Tuesday.

Wright, who plays for Swedish side Orebro, made his Sierra Leone debut in 2020.

The former Chelsea defender was with United under Keith Curle in 2016, signing a short-term deal in December after a trial spell.

He made three appearances for the club, including a Football League debut in a 1-1 draw at Crewe Alexandra.

But he departed the club midway through January. He moved on to Norwegian outfit Fredrikstad and, after a spell with Swedish club Degerfors, joined Orebro in 2019.

Sierra Leone are next in action against Ivory Coast on Sunday.