Algeria fight back to beat Zambia in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener

Algeria began their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Zambia, recovering from F. Sakala’s second-half equaliser to claim all three points in Match Round 1.

Algeria

• M. Mastil (6.79)
• S. Chergui (6.93)
• R. Bensebaïni (6.85)
• J. Hadjam (7.73)
• F. Chaïbi (6.7)
• A. Zorgane (6.99)
• I. Maza (8.93)
• M. Belloumi (6.9)
• A. Gouiri (6.46)
• M. Amoura (7.29)

Zambia

• M. Banda (5.91)
• Dominic Chanda (6.12)
• D. Hamansenya (5.84)
• M. Chaiwa (5.54)
• J. Liteta (5.68)
• F. Sakala (7.1)
• K. Mutandwa (6.42)
• P. Daka (6.35)

Substitutions:

Algeria

• A. Gouiri (Amin Chiakha, 20)
• A. Zorgane (H. Abdelli, 71)
• M. Amoura (A. Boulbina, 71)
• M. Belloumi (A. Hadj-Moussa, 71)

Zambia

• P. Daka (David Simukonda, 45)
• M. Banda (G. Lungu, 68)
• M. Chaiwa
• K. Mutandwa

Ball possession:

J. Hadjam gave Algeria an early lead after only two minutes, but Zambia levelled through Sakala in the 57th minute. I. Maza restored the hosts’ advantage 10 minutes later before A. Hadj-Moussa completed the scoring in the 74th minute.

Passes:

The result gives Algeria an ideal start to their qualification campaign, while Zambia will reflect on a second half in which they were unable to hold on after drawing level.

Defense:

Algeria made the perfect start when Hadjam found the net in the second minute to put the home side 1-0 ahead. The early goal gave Algeria an immediate advantage and allowed them to dictate much of the match.

Face-to-face:

Zambia responded after the interval. Sakala scored in the 57th minute to make it 1-1 and briefly put the visitors in control of the contest.

Fouls:

• Yellow cards:
• J. Liteta (Zambia) at 49 minute
• F. Sakala (Zambia) at 89 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• Algeria – W
• Zambia – L

Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations – Qualification scorers:

1. B. Njie (1, Somalia)
2. D. Sosah (1, Lesotho)
3. E. Colley (1, Gambia)
4. Franculino Djú (1, Guinea-Bissau)
5. A. Hadj-Moussa (1, Algeria)

Line-ups:

Next games:

• Algeria will play with Burundi. September 29 at 13:00 (GMT), on None.
• Zambia will play with Togo. September 29 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.