Algeria W vs Zambia W

A goalless first half saw Algeria control possession and create several openings without finding the breakthrough, according to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF). The balance of the game tipped in Zambia's favour two minutes after the restart. Mercy Chipasula struck in the 47th minute to put the visitors ahead, catching the Algerian defence cold early in the second period.

Algeria responded with a wave of substitutions from coach Farid Benstiti, forcing Zambia deeper. The pressure finally told three minutes from time. Lynda Bendris was brought down in the box, and captain Guellati stepped up to convert the spot-kick, levelling the scores at 1-1.

Zambia finished the match with 10 players. Mwila Chishala Mufunte received a second yellow card deep into stoppage time (90+6'), having been booked in the 86th minute, compounding a second half in which the Copper Queens also saw Grace Chanda (59′) and an unnamed player (76′) cautioned.

Benstiti's changes after the hour mark shifted the momentum. Zambia had made three substitutions of their own — Lushomo Mweemba, Racheal Nachula and Avell Chitundu entered between the 62nd and 71st minutes — but Algeria's fresh legs in midfield pinned the visitors back. The penalty was the logical outcome of sustained pressure, though Zambia's late lapse in discipline made the comeback easier to complete.

Sofia Guellati (Algeria) — The captain kept her composure under the high-stakes spot-kick. Also a vocal organiser in midfield throughout.

Lynda Bendris (Algeria) — Won the decisive penalty with a driving run into the box. Her directness caused problems after the interval.

Mercy Chipasula (Zambia) — Took her goal clinically two minutes into the second half. A constant threat on the counter before Algeria's subs altered the game's shape.

Algeria's superior share of possession and territorial dominance in the first half did not translate into a goal, a pattern that has troubled the side in recent friendlies. Zambia's efficiency in transition was evident: one clear chance, one goal. The card count (four yellows, one red, all for Zambia) suggests the visitors' discipline frayed under late pressure, a statistic that may concern head coach Bruce Mwape ahead of the CAN group stage.

Both teams are in the final stretch of CAN 2026 preparation. Algeria, who will host Group A matches alongside Morocco, Senegal and Kenya, face Zambia again in the second friendly on Wednesday 22 July at the same venue. The tournament proper runs from 26 July to 16 August. For Zambia, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 WAFCON, this draw provides a useful benchmark against a side they may meet deeper in the competition.

A fair result on balance. Algeria will want sharper finishing before the CAN opener, while Zambia will rue the late penalty and the red card. The rematch on Wednesday offers both sides a chance to correct those flaws.