Makembo Sure Chipolopolo Will Beat Algeria

The Patron Pastor of the Zambia Sports Fans Association (ZASOFA), Peter Makemo, is expecting Chipolopolo to beat Algeria in Thursday night’s 2021 Africa Cup qualifier in Lusaka. 

Zambia sit in Group H of the tournament and are currently at the bottom of the group on only 3 points after losing two matches and winning one. 

Although only only 3 points, Chipolopolo are only 1 point behind Botswana who they beat earlier in the tournament. 

Opponents Algeria have shown a strong performance so far, thrashing Zambia 5-0 in the first leg tie in North Africa. In spite of this, Makemo believes the Zambian coach has assembled a good squad for the match, with playing at home also likely to work in their favour. 

“We believe in them and we expect them to excel and qualify for AFCON. I urge the players to up their game,” Makembo said.

“We know that Zambia has to win with a very good margin, if they had scored five goals against us at their home ground what will stop us from scoring ten.

The Algerian team are also without their main stars, who are all currently abroad playing for other teams. 

Manchester City striker Riyad Mahrez and Real Betis central defender Aissa Mandi are currently playing abroad, as are Saidi Benrahma (West Ham United), Ismail Bennacer (AC Milan), and Rami Bensebaini (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

Playing away from home and without these stars will be a challenge for the Algerian team, however team manager Djamel Belmadi believes it will be a good opportunity for new players to show their abilities and fight for a place in the starting team. 

The match against Algeria is crucial for the Copper Bullets, with a loss effectively ending their hopes of playing in next year’s championship.