ALGIERS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Algeria defeated Zambia 3-1 on Friday in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou.
Algeria took an early lead through Jaouen Hadjam in the second minute before Zambia's Fashion Sakala equalized in the 57th minute.
Ibrahim Maza restored Algeria's lead in the 67th minute, and Anis Hadj Moussa added a third goal seven minutes later to seal the victory.
In the other Group I match on Friday, Togo beat Burundi 1-0.
The results put Algeria top of Group I with three points on goal difference, ahead of Togo, while Burundi and Zambia have yet to earn a point.
Algeria faces Burundi on September 29, while Zambia hosts Togo on September 28 in the second round. ■
