Algeria held by Burundi as Hemdani focuses on the positives

Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani has taken an optimistic view of his side’s 1-1 draw away to Burundi in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The result leaves Algeria top of Group I with four points, after they beat Zambia at home four days earlier. They will next face Niger in a friendly on 6 October at Tizi Ouzou.

The Fennecs endured a difficult start in Bujumbura, conceding twice inside the opening 12 minutes. Fares Chaibi put through his own goal in the fifth minute before Burundi doubled their advantage in the 12th.

Bachir Belloumi pulled one back in the 30th minute, and Algeria completed their comeback when Adil Boulbina equalised in the 63rd minute.

Speaking to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) after the match, Hemdani acknowledged that his team had made a poor start but praised the players for the way they responded.

The manager also identified several shortcomings in Algeria’s performance. He said they had struggled to find solutions in possession, particularly when attempting to use the width of the pitch, while their finishing in front of goal had also been below the required level.

The long journey to East Africa, the poor condition of the playing surface and the heat in Bujumbura were potential mitigating factors. However, those circumstances did not entirely explain the performance against a Burundi side ranked 141st in the world.

Algeria were provisionally 31st in the rankings at the time, placing them 110 positions above their opponents.

Despite the draw, Hemdani’s side remain in control of Group I after two qualifying matches. The point also completed a recovery from their early setback, although their display left concerns over their attacking efficiency and ability to impose themselves in difficult conditions.