African champions Algeria showed just why they are champions of the continent with a flawless performance to thrash 2012 champions Zambia 5-0 in their opening qualification match at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida on Thursday.
Youcef Bellaili produced a ‘Man of the Match’ performance as he played a part in three of the five goals. Baghdad Bounedjah scored twice while Ramy Bensebaini and substitute Hilal Soudani scored one each.
Bellaili scored once and assisted twice before being substituted in the 80th minute for Soudani who continued with the good work.
Playing at home, Algeria were in great form and they opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when Bensebaini headed home Bellaili’s corner from close range. The Algerians had won the corner after Zambian keeper Toaster Nsabata had pulled off a brilliant save to deny Riyad Mahrez.
Even before the goal, Algeria’s Les Fennecs had their chances with Bellaili hitting a shot wide after nine minutes while Bounedjah had a bouncing shot from inside the area go over.
The home side stepped up a gear in the second half and scored a second goal in the 67th minute when Bounedjah converted from the penalty spot after Bellaili was upended inside the area by Zambian skipper Kabaso Chongo.
Seven minutes later, the defending champions were up 3-0. Youcef Attal unleashed a powerful drive into the penalty box right where midfielder Bellaili was at hand to collect the ball as it partially cleared by the Zambian defence. He curled his scoring effort into the top left corner.
Soudani then made it 4-0 in the 85th minute, just five minutes after coming on for Bellaili. He was also the next scorer (5-0) on the stroke of fulltime.
With this comfortable win, Algeria moves to the top of Group H standings, with Zimbabwe and Botswana set to play on Friday.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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