Maza stars as Hemdani begins Algeria reign with Zambia win

Brahim Hemdani’s first match as Algeria manager ended in a 3-1 victory over Zambia as the hosts made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in Tizi Ouzou on Friday.

Jaouen Hadjam put the hosts ahead early, but Fashion Sakala’s equaliser briefly gave Zambia hope. Ibrahim Maza restored Algeria’s lead before Anis Hadj Moussa completed the scoring, with the home side creating enough chances to have won by a wider margin.

Maza provides the creative spark

Wearing the unusual number 30 shirt, Maza played a central role in Algeria’s attacking play and influenced all three goals.

His turn and burst through the middle in the second minute opened up Zambia, allowing him to find Mohamed Amoura. The forward then supplied Hadjam, who finished across goal.

After Sakala’s equaliser, Maza again delivered when Algeria needed him. A move involving Amoura and Amin Chiakha sent him towards goal, and although the angle was narrow, his powerful left-footed finish restored the lead in the 67th minute.

Seven minutes later, he created the third goal with a backheel after an initial effort had been blocked, allowing Hadj Moussa to finish. His ability to accelerate attacks and bring team-mates into play gave Algeria a clear attacking direction.

Algeria still relies heavily on the left

Amoura was particularly lively on the left, showing the pace and movement that had been less evident in some of his recent international appearances. His runs created space, his acceleration troubled Zambia and his two assists were decisive.

He might have added a goal, but missed an opportunity in the 54th minute. On the opposite flank, Mohamed Bachir Belloumi had a quieter debut. He worked hard and tried a shot in the 65th minute, but rarely received the ball in dangerous positions.

Hadj Moussa was more influential after replacing him, scoring soon after his introduction. Hemdani will need to find ways to make better use of the right side and avoid making Algeria too dependent on attacks from the left.

Defensive questions remain

Algeria largely kept a limited Zambia attack under control, although the visitors exposed a weakness on the right for their equaliser in the 57th minute. Saadi Radouani was beaten too easily by Sakala after being selected in place of Rafik Belghali.

The USMA defender had an opportunity to strengthen his case, but the mistake will renew debate over the position, with Abada another option for the manager. Radouani should not be judged solely on one error, although greater reliability will be required.

Captain Ramy Bensebaini and Samir Chergui were generally composed in central defence, while Hadjam used the match’s pattern to contribute effectively going forward.

Gouiri injury brings concern

Amine Gouiri was forced off after being caught on the shin by an opponent’s studs around the 20-minute mark. The Marseille striker’s injury comes almost a year after he damaged his shoulder while on international duty, and its seriousness has yet to be established.

The news will be closely followed at Olympique de Marseille, where Bruno Genesio is already working with limited options. Chiakha replaced Gouiri and worked tirelessly, although he had few chances to finish. His one-touch contribution helped build the second goal and underlined his value in combination play.

Substitutions strengthen Hemdani’s case

Working alongside Anthar Yahia, Hemdani received an encouraging response from his bench. Adil Boulbina and Hadj Moussa came on in the 71st minute and combined for the third goal three minutes later, with Boulbina beating his man on the left before finding Maza.

The performance was not complete and Zambia’s quality means conclusions must remain measured. However, Algeria created enough to win comfortably and responded well after conceding. Hemdani’s first match offers positive evidence, although stronger opponents and different match situations will provide a fuller test of his methods.