Zambia’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign began with a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in Tizi Ouzou, as the Fennecs capitalised on a fast start and two further goals after the break.
The Chipolopolo were beaten at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium on Friday evening, despite Fashion Sakala briefly bringing them level in the second half.
Jaouen Hadjam gave Algeria the perfect start when he finished at the near post after just two minutes, with Mohamed Amoura providing the assist.
Algeria dominated possession in the opening stages, controlling 72.7 per cent of the ball during the first 15 minutes as Zambia struggled to establish a foothold in midfield.
Ibrahim Maza was particularly influential, helping the hosts dictate the tempo from the middle of the pitch.
Amine Gouiri was forced off through injury after 20 minutes, with Amin Chiakha introduced in his place.
Algeria continued to threaten, with Mohamed Belloumi curling an effort just wide before Zambia created a promising opening on the counter.
In the 23rd minute, Kingstone Mutandwa was heavily marked by Ramy Bensebaini, but the ball broke to Sakala, who fired wide.
Zambia went into the interval 1-0 down.
George Lwandamina made an attacking change at half-time, replacing Patson Daka with David Simukonda.
Simukonda almost made an immediate impact but sent his effort over the crossbar.
Sakala restores parity
The equaliser arrived in the 57th minute — and it was a moment of individual brilliance from the Zambia captain.
Simukonda supplied the assist before Sakala danced between two defenders, skipped past a third inside the box and calmly found the net to make it 1-1.
The goal briefly shifted the momentum towards Zambia, but Algeria responded decisively.
Maza restored the hosts’ lead in the 67th minute, again with Amoura providing the final pass.
Zambia then made a triple substitution, bringing on Gamphani Lungu, Owen Tembo and Lameck Banda for Mathews Banda, Miguel Chaiwa and Albert Kangwanda.
Algeria also refreshed their attack, introducing Himad Abdelli, Adil Boulbina and Anis Hadj Moussa.
Hadj Moussa made an immediate impact.
In the 74th minute, the substitute collected the ball inside the box and finished to put Algeria 3-1 ahead, with Maza involved in the build-up with a clever backheel.
Mutandwa was replaced by Chanka Solomon Zimba six minutes later as Zambia searched for a way back into the contest.
Sakala nearly added a second in stoppage time when his long-range effort forced the Algerian goalkeeper into a save, with the resulting corner coming to nothing.
Algeria held on to secure a 3-1 victory and open their Group I campaign with three points.
For Zambia, the defeat extends a difficult run, with the Chipolopolo recording just one win in their last 17 matches across all competitions.
Sakala’s goal, however, offered a bright moment for a Zambia side that now needs a response in its next Group I fixture on Tuesday against Togo who beat Burundi 1-0 earlier in the day.
