The convincing win sees the Chipolopolo move second in the group standings on four points – five points behind run away leaders the Super Eagles of Nigeria, with three matches to go.

Platinum Stars forward Mwila delivered a bullet header past Algeria goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi for the opener in the 33rd minute.

Mwila grabbed his brace from a goal mouth melee – drilling home a loose ball in the 40th minute for a 2-0 comfortable lead into the breather.

Yacine Ibrahimi pulled one back for Algeria in the 54th minute after an improved second half display.

Zambia invited more pressure after prodigy Fashion Sakala was handed his marching orders for second bookable offense.

However, the coach Wadson Nyirenda’s side showed resilience and got back their balance.

Mwepu settled the tie with a minute to go with a brilliant run and shot for the final 3-1 score in the 89th minute.

Zambia travel to Algeria for the return leg next week.

The hosts were reduced to ten men in the