Mohamed Amoura breaks down after Algeria’s win over Zambia

Mohamed Amoura was left in tears after Algeria’s 3 1 victory over Zambia despite playing a key role in the win by providing two assists.

The OGC Nice forward had a significant influence on Brahim Hemdani’s first match in charge of Algeria, but his failure to score again appeared to weigh heavily on him at the final whistle.

Amoura was directly involved in two of Algeria’s three goals and produced a lively performance throughout his time on the pitch. However, several missed chances and whistles from sections of the crowd at the Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed added to his frustration.

His night began positively.

Just two minutes into the match, Amoura found Jaouen Hadjam with a well timed through ball, allowing the defender to put Algeria ahead.

Zambia later equalised through Fashion Sakala, but Amoura responded again by providing another assist. This time, he created the opportunity for Ibrahim Maza, who restored Algeria’s advantage in the 67th minute.

Anis Hadj Moussa then added a third goal to complete the 3 1 victory.

Despite those two assists, Amoura was unable to get on the scoresheet himself. His failure to convert his own opportunities extended his wait for an international goal to 10 matches.

The drought has become an increasing source of frustration for the striker, particularly after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations and a World Cup campaign affected by injury. He has also faced criticism in recent months.

Those pressures appeared to come to the surface after the final whistle.

Amoura was seen crying on the pitch before several Algeria teammates approached him and offered support. The whistles he had heard following some of his missed chances appeared to add to the emotional moment.

Hemdani moved quickly to defend the forward when asked about his performance after the match.

“I am satisfied with Amoura’s performance. I think that not scoring made him more nervous, but it must be remembered that he resumed training late with his club.

He played 70 minutes and made a contribution, especially in the first half. He’s a striker and he knows that scoring is part of his role, but I’m fully satisfied with his performance.

The Algeria coach’s comments underline his continued faith in Amoura despite the forward’s current lack of goals.

With 48 caps and 19 goals for Algeria, Amoura has already established himself as an important player for the national team. His contribution against Zambia also showed that he can influence matches even when he does not score.

The next opportunity to end his drought will come against Burundi on 29 September, when Algeria play their second match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Amoura will hope that match brings the goal he has been searching for.

For now, his two assists have provided evidence that he remains capable of making a decisive contribution, even as his wait for an international goal continues.