Our prediction for this Africa Cup of Nations 2021 match:
Algeria
Match Time & Date:
14/11/2019
02:00 PM
Prediction: 2-1
Zambia
After lifting the trophy at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria are ready for new challenges. The title holders kick off their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a match against Zambia, and they are seen as favourites to win Wednesday’s football game. As always, a man to keep an eye on in the home team will be Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, who is likely to pose a big threat to the opposition defenders.
The Zambians, on the other hand, missed out on a place at the previous two showpiece tournaments. Bobby Samaria’s men aim to build on a 2-0 win over Namibia in a friendly, but they will have a big fish to fry against Algeria, who impressed at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Yet another man to watch in the home team will be Galatasaray midfielder Sofiane Feghouli, who played for West Ham and Valencia in the past.
Highlighted Player (Yassine Benzia):
Born in Saint-Aubin-les-Elbeuf, Yassine Benzia is an Algerian footballer who plays for Lille in Ligue 1. Benzia played for the likes of Saint-Aubin, Oissel, Caudebecais, Quevilly and Lyon during his youth career and he made his senior debut with les Gones on May 20, 2012 in a league game against Nice.
After scoring four goals in 38 appearances in the French top flight for Lyon Yassine Benzia joined fellow Ligue 1 club Lille in 2015. Despite being born in France, Yassine Benzia decided to represent Algeria at senior level, but it has to be noted that he has nine caps for France U21 team (six goals). The prolific attacker played his first game for Algeria national football team on March 26, 2016 against Ethiopia.
The right-footed footballer scored his first goal for Algeria in a 2-0 win over Seychelles in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. You should bear in mind that his contract with les Dogues expires on June 30, 2021.
Highlighted Team (Algeria):
The Algeria national football team was established in 1962 as they were not allowed to play international games under French Rule. El Khadra (the Greens) or the Desert Warriors participated at the World Cup finals four times and they recorded their best result at the major tournament in 2014 (Brazil), making it to the last 16.
The Algerians were producing outstanding displays under Vahid Halilhodzic, but despite making life difficult for star-studded Germany in the knockout stages of the showpiece tournament, the African team eventually failed to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals. Algeria play their home games in white shirts and white shorts, while the colour of the team’s away kit is green.
The Desert Warriors impressed at the 1990 African Cup of Nations, with the team defeating Nigeria in the final of the tournament. It has to be noted, though, that Algeria hosted the tournament. The Algerians have been playing their home matches at Stade Mustapha Tchaker since 2006 and Stade 5 Juillet 1962 was regarded as the team’s home stadium before 2006.
Liverpool
Watford
Real Sociedad
Barcelona
Manchester United
Everton
Wolves
Tottenham
Arsenal
Man City
Valencia
Real Madrid
