Algeria Set for Challenging Return to AFCON Qualifiers Against Zambia
The reigning African champions, Algeria, are set to make their return to official international competition in what promises to be a challenging start to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. On Thursday, the Fennecs will face Zambia’s Chipolopolos at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM GMT. While Algeria is preparing to assert its dominance on African soil, Zambia is determined to make life difficult for the champions and start their campaign with a strong statement.
Zambian coach Aggrey Chiyangi has been candid about the magnitude of the task ahead. “It’s a different kind of match. The level of the Algerian team is very high now. We’re talking about the African champions with some superb players,” he noted, highlighting the quality and experience of Djamel Belmadi’s squad. The Fennecs, fresh from lifting the continental trophy, feature a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars, making them a formidable opponent for any team on the continent.
Despite acknowledging Algeria’s strength, Chiyangi remains optimistic about his young squad. “On the other hand, our team has changed a lot compared to 2017. We have a young team, but we will do everything to put on a great performance against Algeria,” he added. The Chipolopolos are embracing a new era, with several emerging talents stepping into the national team setup. Their youth, while less experienced, brings energy, enthusiasm, and a fearless approach that could test the champions’ defensive and tactical organization.
Algeria will need to be vigilant, as Zambia has made it clear that they will not approach the game with a defensive mindset. Chiyangi’s words serve as a warning: the visitors are aiming to compete fiercely and will be looking to challenge the Fennecs from the first whistle. The match will be as much a test of Algeria’s composure under pressure as it is of their technical and tactical superiority.
From a tactical perspective, Djamel Belmadi is expected to field a strong lineup, blending the experience of established stars like Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani with younger players eager to make their mark on the continental stage. Algeria’s approach will likely focus on maintaining control of possession, exploiting the wings, and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities—areas in which they have excelled over the past year.
For Zambia, the key to success will lie in resilience and teamwork. The young squad must maintain concentration, close spaces quickly, and take advantage of any opportunity to counterattack. While the odds may favor the African champions, Chiyangi’s team is motivated to prove that youth and determination can make a difference against even the most decorated opponents.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, both teams are fully aware of what is at stake. Algeria hopes to continue its winning momentum from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, while Zambia aims to signal that the new generation of Chipolopolos is ready to compete at the highest level. Thursday’s encounter at Blida promises to be a captivating clash between experience and youth, with African football fans eagerly anticipating an exciting start to the qualifiers.
