Algeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Zambia, with substitute Anis Hadj Moussa making an immediate impact in the Group I encounter.
Hadj Moussa scored just two minutes after coming off the bench to give Algeria a two-goal advantage and help the Desert Foxes secure three points in their opening qualifier.
The winger was introduced in the 71st minute by coach Brahim Hemdani and found the net in the 73rd minute to complete the scoring.
His goal came after Algeria had regained the lead through Ibrahim Maza, who scored in the 67th minute after Zambia had levelled through Fashion Sakala.
Algeria had initially taken control of the match through goals from Jaouen Hadjam and Maza, before Sakala’s equaliser briefly brought Zambia back into the contest.
The Zambians had responded to falling behind by finding a way through, but Algeria reacted quickly and restored their advantage only 10 minutes after Sakala’s goal.
Mohamed Amoura was again central to Algeria’s attacking play, providing his second assist of the evening when he set up Maza.
The young midfielder kept his composure to finish the opportunity and put Algeria back in front at 2-1.
That goal shifted the momentum back towards the Fennecs and allowed Hemdani’s side to regain control of the contest.
Algeria then produced the decisive moment through Hadj Moussa, who required only two minutes on the field to make his mark.
The move began with Ibrahim Maza, who played a backheel into the path of Hadj Moussa on the right side.
The Feyenoord winger received the ball in a position from which he was able to confront his direct defender.
Hadj Moussa waited for the defender to commit before using a feint to create space. He then moved inside and curled his effort beyond the Zambian goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
The goal gave Algeria greater breathing room and completed an immediate impact from the substitute.
Hadj Moussa’s strike also meant Algeria had three different goalscorers on the night, following the earlier goals from Hadjam and Maza.
For Zambia, Sakala’s equaliser had offered hope of turning the match around after Algeria’s initial advantage.
However, the hosts quickly responded through Maza before Hadj Moussa’s late contribution effectively settled the contest.
Algeria were able to see out the remainder of the match and claim a convincing opening victory in their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The result gives the Fennecs three points from their first Group I fixture, while Zambia will have to recover from the defeat in their next qualifying assignment.
The victory also provides Hemdani’s side with an early boost as the qualifying campaign gets under way.
For Hadj Moussa, meanwhile, the evening provided a memorable introduction to the campaign. His arrival from the bench was followed almost immediately by a goal, with his individual finish helping Algeria secure a 3-1 victory.
