A Daka-inspired Zambia held Algeria to a 3-3 draw in what was a thrilling encounter at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Thursday in the Group H match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Although the Chipolopolo were impressive against the Desert Eagles, the draw was not enough as they remain in last place of Group H, now officially out of contention for the AFCON finals.
Zambia managed to contain the African champions in the opening 15 minutes with Kabaso Chongo leading the defence in robust fashion.
However, the pressure paid eventually as Rachid Ghezzal opened the scoring in the 19th minute to give the Algerians a much deserved lead. Ghezzal was assisted by striker by Islam Slimani.
The visitors were soon 2-0 up in the 25th minute as provider turned scorer with Slimani finding the back of the net to double Algeria’s lead.
The Copper Bullets came back as they were awarded a penalty after Patson Daka was fouled in the box and he converted the penalty in the 34th minute to make it 2-1.
In the 2nd half, Zambia piled on some pressure on Algeria and found the equaliser through Clatous Chama who made it 2-2 in the 52nd minute.
It was end-to-end stuff as the Algerians restored their lead just three minutes later through Slimani again, who completed his brace to put the away side up 3-2 with Baghdad Bounedjah picking out the striker perfectly.
Zambia were relentless, however as they were awarded yet another penalty when Moses Phiri was fouled in the box in the 78th minute.
Daka stepped up once again and it was the same result as he scored to make it 3-3 in the 80th minute.
The match ended in a 3-3 draw on the night and that sealed Zambia’s fate as they have no hopes of qualifying for the AFCON finals.
