World Cup finalists Algeria claimed a vital 2-1 away win in Ethiopia, whereas Zambia were held to a goalless home draw by minnows Mozambique in the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualification openers Saturday.
In a match that witnessed an 11-minute stoppage time, the Algerians went ahead through El-Arabi Soundani in the first half, before flamboyant midfielder Yasine Brahimi added another with just six minutes remaining.
The home side, however, refused to leave the game without scoring, and it was newly-signed Ahly striker Saladin Said who pulled one back from the spot in injury time, though it proved to be no more than consolation.
The Desert Foxes, who had an impressive World Cup campaign this summer before exiting at the hands of eventual champions Germany in the knockouts, claimed their first three points of Group B, which also comprises Mali and Malawi - who meet later in the day.
Zambia draw
Meanwhile, in Ndola, Zambia failed to avoid a scoreless home draw against Mozambique in their Group F opener.
However, 2012 African champions Zambia remain widely tipped to qualify for the biennial tournament in a group that also includes Niger and Cape Verde, who also face off later in the day.
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