Algeria - Zambia: Lwandamina, "We made many mistakes during this match"
Zambia coach George Lwandamina analyzed his team's defeat against Algeria (3-1), which took place on Friday night in Tizi-Ouzou. The Zambian coach particularly mentioned his players' mistakes and the impact of injuries on the match's outcome.
Zambia struggled to contain the Greens' comeback. After equalizing through Fashion Sakala in the 57th minute, the Chipolopolos ultimately conceded two more goals, scored by Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa, allowing Algeria to secure a 3-1 victory.
At the end of the match, George Lwandamina admitted that his team made too many mistakes during this opening day of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“We made numerous mistakes in this match”, said the Zambian coach, who also addressed the difficulties faced by his players after Algeria's second goal.
Lwandamina believes that Ibrahim Maza's goal in the 67th minute significantly impacted his team's reaction. “My players were paralyzed after the 2-1 goal and ultimately gave in”, he clarified after the match.
The coach also highlighted another factor that he believes influenced Zambia's performance: injuries. Several substitutions had to be made during the match, forcing the staff to reconsider some of their decisions.
“Injuries affected us. We were forced to make changes we wouldn’t have considered under normal circumstances, and that cost us the match”, Lwandamina stated.
Despite this defeat, Zambia must quickly refocus as they prepare for the rest of the qualifiers. For its part, Algeria started its campaign well with three points, having made the difference in the final third of the match.
DZfoot
More from this section
Hemdani refuses to discuss Mahrez!
Hemdani: "I have no concerns regarding the synthetic pitch."
Adel Aouchiche: "This is the beginning of a new era with a new coaching staff."
Eliminatory CAN 2027: Ibrahim Maza honored after his remarkable performance
Lakhdar Belloumi: "Hull City is a true football academy!" (video)
