Zambia keeps World Cup hope alive, beat Algeria 3-1

A Brian Mwila brace helped Zambia keep their 2018 World Cup qualification dream alive with a 3-1 win over Algeria on Saturday, leaving the Desert Foxes’ hopes of reaching Russia in tatters.

The result in Lusaka moves Zambia up to second in Group B after three matches, five points behind leaders Nigeria.

Algeria – who were without playmaker Riyad Mahrez – are bottom of the standings on just one point.

Only the group winners will qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Zambia’s Brian Mwila scored the first of his two goals from a powerful header off a well-placed Augustine Mulenga cross in the sixth minute.

Mwila added a second after 32 minutes, this time with a close-range shot after Algerian goalkeeper and captain, Rais Mbolhi, failed to keep hold of the ball.

Algeria fought back in the second half and were rewarded with a goal from just outside the box by Yacine Brahimi in the 53rd minute.

The Desert Foxes were given a further boost just three minutes later when Zambia’s Fashion Sakala was sent off for a second yellow card.

However, Algeria found it difficult to get the equaliser and two minutes from time, substitute Enock Mwepu scored Zambia’s third to make it 3-1 to the hosts.

The result all-but ends Algeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but keeps Zambia’s slim hopes alive.

The two teams will meet again in Constantine on Tuesday.