Chipolopolo fall in Algeria

Captain Fashion Sakala was on target but Zambia launched the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 loss to Algeria in Group I. Algeria posted a well deserved win after dominating both halves at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium. The home side started on a promising…

Captain Fashion Sakala was on target but Zambia launched the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 loss to Algeria in Group I.

Algeria posted a well deserved win after dominating both halves at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.

The home side started on a promising note when Jaouen Hadjam opened the scoring just after two minutes.

Algeria went into the half time break leading 1-0 after wasting some decent chances.

Saudi Arabia based Sakala equalised 12 minutes after the break to make it 1-1.

But Algeria bounced back in front after 67 minutes when Ibrahim Maza beat Zambia keeper Willard Mwanza from inside the box.

Winger Anis Hadj Moussa sealed the win in the 72nd minute with Algeria’s third.

The result puts Algeria top of Group I on three points on goal difference after Match Day One, while Zambia are bottom.

In the other Group I match played today, Togo made a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Burundi at the Kégué Stadium in Lomé.

Karim Dermane scored the only goal in the 17th minute to give the Sparrow Hawks all three points.

Togo controlled the first half and held on in the second, with Burundi unable to find an equalizer.

Group I Table After Match Day 1:

1. Algeria – 3 pts (+2)
2. Togo – 3 pts (+1)
3. Burundi – 0 pts (-1)
4. Zambia – 0 pts (-2)

Togo now travel to face Zambia on 29th September, while Burundi host Algeria on the same day.