Coach George Lwandamina is banking on home advantage to revive Zambia’s AFCON 2027 qualification hopes after injuries and mistakes condemned Chipolopolo to a 3-1 defeat in Algeria.

Zambia’s campaign got off to a false start on Friday night at the packed Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium, where Algeria punished a brave but inexperienced Chipolopolo side.

Despite the loss, Lwandamina insisted his young team fought to the end in a hostile atmosphere.

“It was a tough match and the boys played well. Away from home, it wasn’t easy for them, but they fought to the bitter end,” he said.

The Chipolopolo mentor was candid about what went wrong. Algeria took an early lead through Jaouen Hadjam after just two minutes, and after Fashion Sakala equalised in the 57th minute, Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa struck in the 67th and 72nd minutes.

“Few mistakes, of course, and we were punished. Injuries also affected us. We had to make changes which we wouldn’t have made, and that cost us the game,” Lwandamina admitted.

With Togo beating Burundi 1-0 in Lomé to join Algeria on three points, Zambia are now bottom of Group I. But Lwandamina issued a stern warning ahead of Monday’s home clash.

“Definitely, we need to win our home games if we are to qualify. Togo won’t have it easy,” he said.

The former ZESCO United and Yanga tactician believes his youthful squad will only get better.

“This is a young team and they are coping very well. We can actually change the tables. The boys are fighting very hard and, with a little bit of experience in the team, I’m sure we’ll be able to bring them together.”

He also paid tribute to Algeria’s depth, describing them as a football powerhouse.

“Algeria enjoyed their game. They played well. 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.”

Zambia host Togo on September 29 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, where only victory will keep their qualification bid alive.

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