AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Algeria fight back to draw with Burundi

Algeria fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Burundi in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.

Burundi raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening 12 minutes, but Algeria responded through Mohamed Belloumi before Adel Boulbina completed the comeback with a superb free-kick in the second half.

The result takes Algeria to four points at the top of Group Nine, while Burundi earn their first point of the qualifying campaign.

Burundi make flying start

Burundi stunned Algeria by taking the lead in the fifth minute after Farès Chaïbi turned the ball into his own net following a misunderstanding with goalkeeper Melvin Mastel, who had moved away from his goal.

The hosts doubled their advantage seven minutes later.

Jeromugisha pounced on a poor clearance from Rami Bensebaini before working his way through the Algeria defence and firing past Mastel to make it 2-0.

Algeria responded in the 30th minute when Belloumi reduced the deficit.

The forward found space inside the penalty area before sending a left-footed effort into the bottom right corner to give the North Africans hope of a comeback.

Burundi nevertheless went into half-time with their lead intact after resisting Algeria’s attempts to find a second goal.

Boulbina completes Algeria comeback

Algeria returned from the break with greater urgency and increased the pressure on Burundi.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Boulbina stepped up to take a free-kick and produced an excellent strike to level the score.

Algeria then introduced Mohamed El Amine Amoura, Moncef Bouguerra, Adel Ouacher and Ilan Kebbal as they pushed for a winner.

Burundi remained disciplined and held on despite sustained pressure from the Algerians.

Late chances denied

Algeria came close to completing the comeback in the 87th minute when Saadi Radouani rose to meet a cross from Adem Zorgane.

His header from a tight angle was kept out by Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana.

The visitors created another opportunity in stoppage time when Youanine Hadjam fired a left-footed effort from inside the box, but the ball went narrowly wide of the left post.

Burundi almost snatched the victory late on, only for Mastel to deny Emmanuel Sweedy’s header from the right side of the penalty area.

Neither side could find a winner as Algeria settled for a point after recovering from their early setback.

Algeria move to four points and remain top of Group Nine, while Burundi have one point and sit third provisionally, with Zambia and Togo still to play.