National soccer team coach Wedson Nyirenda has given his Zambia Under-20 players five star rating from Chipolopolo’s 3-1 home win over Algeria on Saturday at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Under-20 midfielder Enock Mwepu came off the bench in the 56th minute to score an 89th minute goal after Brian Mwila had already netted a brace in the 6th and 33nd minutes.

Patson Daka put on a good 90 minute showing despite not finding the target together with Fashion Sakala.

“Excellent the boys are very brave, we threw them into the deep end and they swam,” Nyirenda said.

However, Fashion Did not finish the match after he was sent off in the 55th minute for a second booking.

“It is part of football. The boy did what he could do. It is unfortunate he got his second yellow but we have to give him the encouragement,” said Nyirenda.

“All in all the boy has done well.”

Zambia’s win lifts Chipolopolo to 2nd place on 4 points, five points behind leaders Nigeria with three rounds of matches left to play.

Algeria stay bottom of Group B on 1 point, one behind 3rd placed Cameroon.

Algeria will now seek revenge against Chipolopolo who they host on Tuesday, September 5.

Zambia and Algeria both flew out for Constantine on separate charter flights on Saturday evening where Tuesday’s match will be played.