Algeria v Zambia: probable line-ups for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Algeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Zambia at the Hocine-Ait-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou on Friday, 25 September, with both sides managing injuries while aiming to start the group stage with a win.

Brahim Hemdani’s Algeria squad will be without Nabil Bentaleb, who has been ruled out through injury and replaced by Adil Bourabaa. The home side still have several options available, particularly in midfield, while Rayan Ait-Nouri, Ramy Bensebaini, Anis Hadj-Moussa, Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura are expected to play important roles.

The following line-up is expected to start for Algeria:

Goalkeeper: Abdelatif Ramdane

Defenders: Saadi Radouani, Zineddine Belaid, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait-Nouri

Midfielders: Himad Abdelli, Ibrahim Maza, Fares Chaibi

Forwards: Anis Hadj-Moussa, Amine Gouiri, Mohamed Amoura

Zambia manager George Lwandamina can call on most of his squad despite the absence of Benson Sakala and Lubambo Musonda, who are both injured.

Miguel Changa Chaiwa is expected to feature in midfield, while Zambia are likely to look to Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala for their attacking threat. Lameck Banda is also included in the anticipated front three.

Zambia’s probable starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Victor Chabu

Defenders: Mathews Banda, David Hamasenya, Obinno Chisala, Owen Mwamba

Midfielders: Miguel Changa Chaiwa, Joseph Liteta, Gamphani Jones Lungu

Forwards: Lameck Banda, Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala

The match will be Algeria’s first fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Zambia will also begin their route to the tournament with Friday’s meeting in Tizi Ouzou.

The published match odds list Algeria as favourites at 1.31 to win. A draw is priced at 4.40, while a Zambia victory is listed at 7.75.