CAN 2027 qualifiers: Five players who struggled in the opening two matchdays

The first two matchdays of the CAN 2027 qualifiers have produced strong performances as well as disappointing displays, with several highly anticipated players failing to make the expected impact.

Individual errors, missed chances and uncertain decision-making have affected players from Algeria, Libya, Equatorial Guinea and Benin. Here are five who have endured particularly difficult starts to the campaign.

Fares Chaibi

Fares Chaibi’s first appearance of the campaign for Algeria was overshadowed by a costly mistake against Burundi.

The midfielder put the Fennecs in trouble as early as the fifth minute when an under-hit backpass intended for his goalkeeper ended up in his own net.

Chaibi also appeared short of composure during other passages of the match. A player expected to provide creativity and control in midfield, he will need to regain his confidence quickly and show that the error was an isolated incident rather than the start of a wider problem.

Ramy Bensebaini

Algeria’s defensive difficulties continued a few minutes later when Ramy Bensebaini gave the ball away in a dangerous area.

The experienced defender, usually regarded as one of the leaders of the Algerian backline, was punished by Jean-Claude Girumugisha, who scored Burundi’s second goal.

Although Algeria recovered to draw 2-2, Bensebaini’s mistake remained one of the defining moments of the match. His priority now will be to restore his concentration and leadership as the Fennecs seek greater stability at the back.

Ezoo El Maremi

Libya’s Ezoo El Maremi was unable to take advantage of several opportunities against Uganda.

The striker missed three clear chances that could have changed the outcome of the match, leaving Libya to reflect on what might have been. For a centre-forward, converting dangerous situations is essential, and El Maremi had enough openings to become his side’s match-winner.

His movement and ability to find scoring positions were encouraging, however. Greater accuracy with his final touch could allow him to respond positively in the next fixtures.

Loren Zuniga

Equatorial Guinea also needed more from Loren Zuniga during the opening two matchdays.

The Nzalang Nacional forward repeatedly found himself in promising positions but failed to finish. His struggles were particularly frustrating because Equatorial Guinea require a reliable attacking focal point capable of turning periods of pressure into goals.

Zuniga must now put the disappointing start behind him and rediscover his finishing instinct. In a qualification campaign where every point can prove important, forwards are often judged by their ability to make the most of limited opportunities.

Hassane Imourane

Benin midfielder Hassane Imourane has also failed to produce the start he would have wanted.

Operating in a position where winning the ball and beginning attacks are central responsibilities, Imourane gave possession away too frequently and was sometimes imprecise in his passing. Several rushed decisions left Benin exposed to danger.

The midfielder will need to simplify his game and remain more focused. With greater accuracy in his distribution, he has the opportunity to change the impression created by the opening two matchdays.

The five players have faced different problems: Chaibi and Bensebaini were undermined by individual errors, El Maremi and Zuniga by missed chances, and Imourane by excessive wastefulness in midfield.

However, the CAN 2027 qualifiers are only beginning. These performances represent warnings rather than final judgments, and each player still has time to correct his mistakes and recover his form.