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Belaïli (8), Bounedjah (9) and Benseibaïni (21) all scored against Zambia. Khaled DESOUKI / AFP

Algeria, the reigning African champion, kicked off the CAN 2021 qualifiers with a 5-0 win over Zambia. Youceh Belaïli was the big man of the match.

Algeria has not changed since its victorious CAN. She beat (5-0) Thursday Zambia with the same team-type that won the African Cup last June. But the formation of the Fennecs waited a long time before flying over the debates against a Zambian team that has hindered for over an hour. For a few moments, we even thought to see this team from Algeria, full of individual talents, but unable to find themselves collectively.

Decisive Belaïli

At Mustapha Tchaker stadium in Blida, Djamel Belmadi's men dominated the Chipolopolos for a long time. However, two opportunities, shot after Belaïli (9th and 10th), seemed to start this meeting before it falls back into a slow pace. Algerians had up to 72% possession of the ball without being dangerous. It was not until half-time to see captain Riyad Mahrez wake up the public with a vicious strike diverted to a corner by Nsabata (43). On the action that follows Remy Benseibani opened the scoring with a header from Youcel Belaïli's corner (44 ').

The untenable striker is probably the man of the match since it is he who still causes the penalty that allows Algeria to make the break by Bounedjah (68th). Then, he is alone in charge of driving the Zambians on a full shot skyrocket (75th) which finally gives this victory of pace of correction even before the fourth goal of the replacement Hillel Soudani (86th), and the fifth of Bounedjah in the stoppage of play.

Zambia pays its lack of realism both defensively and in front of the image of this beautiful shot of Phiri (47th) who deserved a better fate.

The champions of Africa ideally launch these playoffs with this great success. They will have the opportunity to refuel Monday by going to Botswana for the second day.

Calendar, results, qualification rankings