Algeria fight back from two goals down to draw with Burundi

Algeria coach Ibrahim Hamdani said avoiding defeat was the most important outcome after his side fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Burundi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Algeria conceded twice inside the opening 12 minutes but recovered to earn a point away from home, moving on to four points and temporarily taking top spot in Group Nine, pending the result of Zambia’s match against Togo.

Burundi collected their first point of the qualifying campaign.

Speaking at a news conference, Hamdani said his team had been badly affected by the early goals.

“We conceded two difficult goals that had a major impact on our morale, and they could have been avoided,” he said.

However, Hamdani highlighted Algeria’s response after falling behind.

“But the most important thing is that we came back from a difficult position and avoided defeat against a Burundi team that committed all its attacking options,” he added.

“We experienced difficult moments, but the only positive is the point we earned. I consider it a satisfactory result given the way the match unfolded.”

Burundi took the lead after five minutes when Fares Chaibi inadvertently put the ball into his own net.

Jean Claude doubled the hosts’ advantage seven minutes later, finding a way through the Algeria defence with an impressive individual effort.

Algeria reduced the deficit in the 30th minute through Mohamed Bachir Belloumi, who scored his side’s first goal.

Adel Boulbina then completed the comeback by equalising in the 63rd minute.