Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star dominated in Tizi-Ouzou, restoring the lead before setting up a late strike to secure the Desert Foxes' dominant opening victory in AFCON qualifying.
Ibrahim Maza played a decisive role as Algeria began its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Zambia.
In front of a packed Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed in Tizi-Ouzou, the Desert Foxes made a fast start and needed just two minutes to open the scoring. Mohamed Amoura released Jaouen Hadjam on the left, with the defender finding the net from a difficult angle to give Algeria an early advantage.
Zambia offered a threat of their own, with Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala providing the pace to stretch the Algerian defence. However, the hosts continued to control much of the attacking play, with Maza among those looking to unlock a disciplined Zambian side.
Mohamed Belloumi came close to extending the lead before the interval, seeing his curling effort drift narrowly wide.
The game changed after the break, but Mazadona stepped up once again.
Zambia found an equaliser in spectacular fashion in the 57th minute when Sakala took matters into his own hands. The forward drove between two Algerian defenders before finishing from close range to bring the visitors level.
Algeria responded immediately.
Just 10 minutes after Zambia's equaliser, Maza restored the hosts' lead. The Leverkusen midfielder combined with Amoura before getting himself into a dangerous position and finishing from a tight angle. Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza was unable to keep the effort out, allowing Algeria to regain control of the match.
Maza then turned provider for Algeria's third.
With 15 minutes remaining, the 20-year-old picked out substitute Anis Hadj Moussa inside the penalty area. The winger made no mistake, putting the result beyond doubt and completing an impressive response from the hosts.
It was therefore a direct contribution to two of Algeria's three goals for Maza, who showed his ability to carry his team and influence the game both as a scorer and a creator. The result gives Algeria an ideal beginning to their qualifying campaign and a confidence boost for newly appointed head coach Brahim Hemdani.
It was also an important indication of Maza's growing status within the national team. Rather than simply featuring alongside Algeria's established attacking players, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is now their shining star.
Against Zambia, his qualities translated into tangible end product.
Algeria now sit at the top of Group I alongside Togo after the opening round of fixtures. Their next assignment comes on Tuesday, when they travel to Burundi, looking to maintain their winning start.
For Maza, meanwhile, the international break has begun with a performance that will be remembered for the moments that mattered most: a goal, an assist, and a significant contribution to Algeria's first three points.
