Algeria's national football team kicked off a new chapter in their journey with a convincing performance against Zambia on Friday, September 26, 2026. The team's new playmaker, Ibrahim Maza, shone brightly, showcasing his exceptional skills and hinting at a promising future. Maza's impressive display included a key pass that led to the opening goal, scored by Haggam in the 2nd minute. His vision and technique allowed him to control the tempo of the game, making him a vital cog in the team's new setup under coach Ibrahim Hamdani.
Maza's performance was marked by his calm and composed demeanor on the ball, even under pressure from the opposing team. He demonstrated his ability to retain possession and create scoring opportunities, making him a valuable asset to the team. The new playmaker's impressive showing was capped off with a goal and an assist, earning him the highest rating in the match. This dominant display suggests that Maza could be a key player for Algeria in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Another notable performer for Algeria was Mohamed Béchir Belomoi, who made his return to the national team after a lengthy absence. Belomoi started the match and played with confidence, showing no signs of rustiness. He made a positive impact on the game, creating scoring chances and causing problems for the Zambian defense with his pace and skill on the right flank. Although he failed to score, Belomoi's performance was encouraging, and he will likely be considered for future matches.
The return of Belomoi and the emergence of Maza have added depth and competition to Algeria's squad, particularly in the attacking positions. However, the competition for a starting spot will be fierce, with players like Riyad Mahrez's successor, Youcef Belaïli, and the in-form Hamsa Haj Moussa, all vying for a place in the starting lineup. Haj Moussa, in particular, made an immediate impact, scoring the third goal after coming on as a substitute.
Coach Ibrahim Hamdani will be pleased with the team's performance, which suggests that the new era for Algerian football is off to a promising start. The team's new setup and strategy appear to be taking shape, with Maza and Belomoi adapting quickly to their roles. The win against Zambia has set the tone for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and the team will look to build on this momentum in their future matches.
The match against Zambia also highlighted the team's defensive solidity, with the backline, marshaled by Ramy Bensebaini, showing resilience and organization. While there were some nervy moments, the team's defensive performance was generally solid, and they will look to build on this in future matches.
As Algeria looks to the future, the emergence of young players like Maza and the return of experienced campaigners like Belomoi have provided a boost to the team's prospects. With a mix of youth and experience, Algeria will aim to make a strong impact in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and beyond.
Key points
- Algeria's new playmaker, Ibrahim Maza, shines with a goal and assist against Zambia.
