George Lwandamina believes Algeria’s vast player pool gave the hosts an advantage as Zambia opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 defeat in Tizi Ouzou.
The interim Chipolopolo coach acknowledged the quality available to Algeria after his side were beaten by the Fennecs at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium on Friday.
“Algeria enjoyed their game. They played well,” Lwandamina said.
“Algeria has a new team, mind you, Algeria is one of the big countries in the world, so the population is very big and you have more options of players out there. You can even make 10 teams here in Algeria.”
Algeria took an early lead after just two minutes when Jaouen Hadjam finished at the near post, with Mohamed Amoura providing the assist. Zambia struggled to establish themselves in the opening stages as the hosts dominated possession.
The Chipolopolo improved after the interval and drew level in the 57th minute through captain Fashion Sakala.
David Simukonda created the opening, with Sakala producing a fine individual finish after dancing between defenders before finding the net.
The equaliser briefly shifted the momentum towards Zambia, but Algeria responded quickly.
Ibrahim Maza restored the hosts’ lead in the 67th minute, with Amoura again providing the final pass.
Algeria then extended their advantage in the 74th minute when substitute Anis Hadj Moussa finished from inside the box after Maza was involved in the build-up.
Zambia were unable to find another response as Algeria held on for a 3-1 victory and three points in Group I.
For Lwandamina, the defeat provided a difficult introduction to the qualifying campaign, with Zambia now turning their attention to their second Group I fixture against Togo in Ndola on Tuesday.
The Chipolopolo will need a response against a Togo side that began its campaign with a 1-0 victory over Burundi in Lomé.
