Algeria begin Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with victory as Morocco also win

Algeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Zambia in Group Nine, while Morocco beat Gabon 2-0 to make a winning start in Group One.

Jaouen Hadjam, Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa scored for Algeria, with Fashion Sakala replying for Zambia.

The result gave Algeria their first three points and put them top of a group that also includes Togo and Burundi. It was also Ibrahim Hamdani’s first victory since taking charge of the national team following Vladimir Petkovic’s departure.

Algeria took the lead after only two minutes when Hadjam struck a powerful shot into the net following a pass from Mohamed Amine Amoura.

Zambia drew level in the 57th minute. Sakala produced an individual effort before finishing to bring his side back into the match.

Algeria restored their advantage in the 67th minute through Maza. His shot was met by the goalkeeper but still found its way into the net.

Hadj Moussa sealed the win in the 74th minute, sending a shot past the Zambia goalkeeper after being set up by Maza.

The victory was Algeria’s first in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Algeria will play Burundi in the second round of qualifying next Tuesday.

Morocco make winning start

Morocco also began their campaign with three points after defeating Gabon 2-0.

Noussair Mazraoui opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful shot that went into the Gabon net.

Sofiane Rahimi added the second six minutes from time, finishing after a cross from Bilal El Khannouss in the 84th minute.

The win put Morocco top of Group One on three points. The group also contains Niger and Lesotho, as well as Gabon.

Morocco will face Lesotho in their second qualifying match next Tuesday, while Gabon will meet Niger on the same day.