Algeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday when they host Zambia in Tizi Ouzou, with the Fennecs looking to put an inconsistent run of results behind them.
The match will be played at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.
Algeria enter the qualifier with a mixed record from their past five matches, having recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats.
The Fennecs have scored nine goals during that period but have conceded nine as well, highlighting a team capable of creating problems in attack but still searching for greater defensive consistency.
They will now look to turn that attacking output into a strong start to their qualifying campaign, with home advantage adding to the expectations surrounding the side.
Zambia arrive in Tizi Ouzou with a much poorer recent record.
The Chipolopolo have failed to win any of their last five matches, losing three and drawing two. They have scored only three goals in those games while conceding 12.
That run leaves Zambia with plenty to improve on, particularly in defence, as they prepare to face an Algeria side that has shown a greater attacking threat in recent matches.
Recent meetings between the two nations suggest the contest could still be competitive.
Algeria have won three of the last six encounters, while Zambia have claimed two victories. The other meeting ended in a draw.
Team news
Algeria will be without Nabil Bentaleb, who has been ruled out through injury and replaced by Adil Bourabaa.
Brahim Hemdani will be the composer sans Nabil Bentaleb, forfait sur injury and replaced by Adil Bourabaa. The selector disposes however of several solutions, notably au milieu. Rayan Aït-Nouri, Ramy Bensebaïni, Anis Hadj-Moussa, Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura should be notably être au cœur de ses plans.
Rayan Aït-Nouri, Ramy Bensebaïni, Anis Hadj-Moussa, Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura are among the players expected to feature prominently in Algeria’s plans.
Zambia will also have to cope without Benson Sakala and Lubambo Musonda, both of whom are injured.
George Lwandamina can count on the majority of his group, despite the losses of Benson Sakala and Lubambo Musonda, both injured. The technicien zambien pourrait s’appuyer sur Miguel Chaiwa au milieu, while Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala are expected to animate the attack.
Miguel Chaiwa could be used in midfield, while Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala are expected to provide the main threat in attack.
What to expect
Algeria will start the match with the stronger recent record and the benefit of playing at home, but their defensive record means Zambia may see opportunities if they can exploit spaces.
For Zambia, the challenge will be to improve on both ends of the pitch after scoring just three goals and conceding 12 in their last five matches.
The Fennecs will therefore be looking to combine their attacking quality with greater defensive discipline, while Zambia will hope to end their winless run and begin the qualifiers with a statement result.
With both sides starting their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Friday’s meeting offers Algeria the chance to establish early momentum and Zambia an opportunity to change the narrative around their recent form.
Algeria v Zambia
Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
Venue: Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium, Tizi Ouzou
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT
