Sofia Guellati struck in the 87th minute to rescue a draw for Algeria against Zambia in a friendly international played on 19 July. The Algerian forward's goal cancelled out Mercy Chipasula's second-half opener and left both sides with a point apiece in a match that could have gone either way.
Zambia had taken the lead through Chipasula early in the second half. The forward's 47th-minute goal put the visitors in control and appeared to be enough to secure victory. Algeria, however, refused to surrender. The home side pressed forward in search of an equaliser and their persistence paid off when Guellati found the back of the net with just three minutes remaining.
The draw leaves both teams with something to take from the fixture. Zambia will reflect on a solid performance that earned them the lead, while Algeria can point to their ability to respond under pressure. In a friendly context, the result serves both sides well ahead of future competitive fixtures.
Neither team will be entirely satisfied with the outcome. Zambia had a chance to claim a morale-boosting win away from home but could not hold on. For Algeria, the late goal demonstrated character and an unwillingness to accept defeat, though conceding first will be a concern for their coaching staff.
The match highlighted the competitive nature of women's football in Africa, with both sides showing technical ability and determination throughout. Chipasula's finish and Guellati's composure in front of goal were the standout individual moments in a closely contested affair.
