Mahrez's decision to chase transfer damages Algeria's World Cup chances after defeat to Zambia

Liecester City striker Riyad Mahrez decision's to leave the Algeria national team camp to chase a futile transfer has damaged the country's chance of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup after they were thrashed 3-1 by Zambia on Saturday.

A Brian Mwila brace helped Chipolopolo keep their qualification dream alive with the win over Algeria on Saturday, leaving the Desert Foxes' hopes of reaching Russia in tatters.

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.

Mahrez was granted leave from international duty earlier this week as he returned to Europe in a bid to secure a move away from Leicester City.

His mission ended in defeat and on Saturday Algeria suffered the same fate as they lost to Zambia without the playmaker.

Mwila scored two first-half goals as 10-man Zambia claimed their first victory of the group phase in Africa's World Cup qualifiers.

The result effectively ended Algeria's hopes of making it to Russia 2018.

Algeria are virtually out of the race after having qualified for the 2010 and 2014 finals, where they reached the round of 16.

They have just a single point with three games to play.

Meanwhile, Zambia moved into second place in Group B as they advanced to four points, but are still five points behind leaders Nigeria, who won 4-0 at home to Cameroon on Friday.

Mwila hit the upright in the fifth minute before finding the net within 60 seconds, rising between two Algerian defenders to head home a cross from Augustine Mulenga.

Teenage prodigy Patrick Daka set up a second goal in the 33rd minute as he cut in to cross for Fashion Sakala, whose scuffed shot was parried by Algeria goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi, with Mwila first to the rebound.

Algeria pulled a goal back with powerful left-footed shot from Yacine Brahimi in the 55th minute and were given a further window of opportunity when debutant Sakala, 20, was dismissed for a second cautionable foul a minute later.

But 19-year-old Enock Mwepu, also making his international debut, came on to score on the counter in the final minute to make sure of home success.

Read Full Story