Algeria open Ibrahim Hamdani era with 3-1 win over Zambia

Algeria began Ibrahim Hamdani’s tenure as head coach with a 3-1 victory over Zambia in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

Jaouen Hadjam put the hosts ahead after only two minutes at the Hussein Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, giving Algeria an early advantage in Group Nine.

Zambia levelled through Fashion Sakala in the 57th minute, but Algeria restored their lead when Ibrahim Maza scored 10 minutes later.

Anis Hadj Moussa completed the scoring in the 74th minute to secure three points for the hosts and ensure Algeria made a winning start to their campaign.

The match was the first competitive test for Algeria under Hamdani, who replaced Vladimir Petkovic earlier this month. The Bosnian had been in charge before Hamdani took over in September.

The result leaves Algeria top of Group Nine on three points, ahead of Togo on goal difference. Togo also won on Friday, beating Burundi 1-0 at home in the other group fixture.

Algeria will face Burundi in their next qualifying match on 29 September, while Zambia will meet Togo in the second round of Group Nine matches.

A total of 48 nations are taking part in the qualification competition, divided into 12 groups. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Algeria’s victory continued a strong start to the new era, with their three goals coming from three different players after Zambia had briefly threatened to change the direction of the match following Sakala’s equaliser.