Algeria's national team, known as the "Greens," achieved a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Zambia at the Hussein Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou. The match was part of the first round of qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Ibrahim Hamdani celebrated his first win since taking over as the team's technical leader. The Algerian team dominated the early stages, with left-back Ghoulam Harimiche scoring the opening goal in the second minute.
The Algerians had opportunities to extend their lead, but midfielder Mohamed Amine Morba wasted a clear chance in the 53rd minute. His shot went wide of the right post. However, Zambia equalized in the 57th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. Zambian forward Skala Fashin beat the Algerian defense and scored with a low shot that goalkeeper MASTEL could not stop.
Algeria regained the lead in the 67th minute through Ibrahim Maza, who scored with a powerful left-footed shot after a clever pass from Morba. The goal put the Greens back in front, and they continued to press for more goals. Algeria's coach made three substitutions in the 71st minute, bringing on players Haj Mussa, Boulbina, and Hamad Abdella.
The changes revitalized the Algerian attack, and Haj Mussa scored the third goal in the 74th minute. The goal came after Boulbina's run down the left flank and a shot from Maza that rebounded to Mussa, who then beat a Zambian defender and scored with a strong shot.
With this win, Algeria tops Group Nine temporarily, sharing points with Togo, which also won its match against Burundi with a single goal. Algeria's next match is against Burundi on Tuesday, a new test for Hamdani's team. The Algerian coach expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, which bodes well for future matches.
The win boosts Algeria's confidence as they continue their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team's performance was marked by notable contributions from several players, including Morba, who provided two assists. Algeria's fans are optimistic about the team's chances under coach Hamdani's leadership.
The match marked a positive start for coach Hamdani, who has been tasked with leading the team to success in the upcoming tournaments. The Algerian team's next challenge will be to build on this momentum and secure more wins in the qualifiers. The team's progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Key points
- Algeria secured a 3-1 win over Zambia in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
- The win marked coach Ibrahim Hamdani's first victory since taking over the team.
- Algeria currently tops Group Nine with three points, alongside Togo.
