Bookmakers have predicted that Algeria stands a higher chance of winning tomorrow’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers (AFCON) game between host Zambia and the current African Champions Algeria, despite Zambia assembling most of its best players to face the North African giants.
A check on Betway, one of Zambia and global leading book maker and betting company, the Chipolopolo Boys stand at 4.37 odds against the favorites Algeria with 2.02 odds. A further check by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT Sports on other betting sites shows that Algeria are the favorites to win tomorrow’s game against the Copper Bullets.
Algeria have by all intents and purpose already secured a place in the Cameron 2021 AFCON championship finals in Group H with 10 points, followed by Zimbabwe with 5, Botswana with 4 and Zambia at the bottom of the table with 3 points.
However, the game of football and its outcomes can sometimes be likened to a lottery. Algeria will play Zambia away in the AFCON qualifiers match without their six main star players, including Manchester City striker Mahrez Riyad and Real Betis tough Central defender Aissa Mndi, Saidi Benrahma (West Ham United), Isnail Bennacer (AC Millan), and Rami Bensebaini of Borussia Monchengladbach will all miss the clash.
The Chipolopolo Boys will be looking to avenge the 5-0 defeat to Algeria on match day one in Ageria in the AFCON championship qualifiers.
The 2012 AFCON winners (Zambia) handed Algeria back to back defeat in the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers under Wedson Nyirenda guidance. Zambia then beat Algeria 3-1 before a 2-1 away victory in Algeria in 2017, as the Chipolopolo Boys finished second to Nigeria while Algeria at the bottom of the group.
Zambian coach Milutin Sredjevic – Micho said the team will try by all means to get the best possible result, it will not be an easy game but the boys are mentally and physically prepared for the match.
And Kabaso Chongo who had previously been axed from the team has returned and has been re-appointed captain to lead Zambia against Algeria. Chongo said the team has prepared adequately for the match and will do their best to grab the 3 points.
The star studded Zambian side which has seen most foreign based players recalled has not had a friendly match ahead of this clash but all hope remain for the Chipolopolo to carry the day. Photo credit to FAZ
