06 September, 2017
Zambia moved up to second behind Nigeria as a 3-1 win over Algeria helped keep their world cup dream alive, and might well have ended any hope of Algeria being in Russian Federation.
Not only did Riyad Mahrez fail to secure a transfer on Deadline Day, but his decision to seek one appears to have ended his country's World Cup dreams. At least I put Algerians level with the Nigerian team, but my predictions were not true.
However, the Super Eagles will book their flight to Russian Federation 2018 with a draw at home to the resurgent Chipolopolo on October 7.
Often the history of the confrontation between these national teams was more successful for the national team of Algeria.
A brace from Brian Mwila and a late strike by second-half substitute Enock Mwepu handed 10-man Zambia a much-needed lift on Saturday after a winless run of the previous two games. As for the return meeting, so in it I doubt that the Algerians will drag their luck to their side.
Algeria is eight points behind runaway group leader Nigeria with three games remaining in qualifying.
Cameroon have three points and Algeria are bottom of the standings on a point.
Coach Wedson Nyirenda's charges started the encounter on a high in the opening five minutes as they probed for an early goal, but Mwila's header hit the upright with goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi beaten.
But Yacine Brahimi halved the deficit on 55 minutes and a minute later Fashion Sakala was red-carded after a second caution on a hot, cloudless afternoon.
But 19-year-old Enock Mwepu, also making his global debut, came on to score on the counter in the final minute to make sure of home success.
