Burundi v Algeria: Fennecs aim to build on Zambia win despite Gouiri absence

Algeria will look to make it two wins from two in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Burundi in Bujumbura on Tuesday, in Brahim Hemdani’s first away match as head coach.

The Fennecs began Hemdani’s reign with a 3-1 victory over Zambia, but will be without Amine Gouiri after the forward was injured in that match and returned to his club. Amin Chiakha, who replaced him, did not fully convince and is competing with Monsef Bakrar for the starting position.

Burundi opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat away to Togo last week. Despite creating 16 chances in an open game, Patrick Sangwa’s side were denied by an outstanding performance from Togo goalkeeper Malcolm Barcola, who made five saves.

The result continued a difficult run for the Burundi national team. The team, who have made only one previous Africa Cup of Nations appearance in 2019, have failed to qualify in their past three attempts, finishing third in a four-team group each time and recording only one victory.

Burundi have also lost their past five Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying group matches, excluding preliminary-round fixtures. Their record against Algeria offers little encouragement: the Fennecs are unbeaten in five meetings, with three wins and two draws. The most recent encounter ended in a 4-0 Algeria victory in a warm-up match before the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Algeria showed both attacking quality and resilience against Zambia. Jaouen Hadjam scored after two minutes, while Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa struck after Fashion Sakala had equalised shortly after half-time. However, the visitors will need to cope with a six-hour flight, an artificial pitch and an afternoon kick-off in temperatures close to 30C.

The Fennecs have not lost away from home in Africa Cup of Nations or World Cup qualifying since November 2018. They are ranked 29th in the FIFA rankings, compared with Burundi in 142nd place.

Burundi have recalled Gael Bigirimana of Dungannon, although he did not feature in the opening match. Nice defensive midfielder Youssouf Ndayishimiye remains their main recognised name, while Mossi Nduwumwe of MC Alger is the team’s only player based in Algeria. Saido Berahino is no longer being selected.

Algeria may also make changes at right-back, with local player Saadi Radouani under pressure after failing to impress against Zambia. Mohamed Bachir Belloumi is competing with Anis Hadj Moussa to replace Riyad Mahrez on the right wing, but Hadj Moussa strengthened his case by scoring after coming on last time out.

Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali are suspended. Rayan Ait-Nouri was sent back to his club after an internal disciplinary decision for “indiscipline”.

Probable Burundi team: Jonathan Nahimana – Akbar Muderi, Frederic Nsabiyumva, Omar Moussa, Christophe Nduwarugira – Abdoul Karim Mpawenimana, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Eldhnio – Saidi Ntibazonkiza, Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, Jean Claude Girumugisha.

Probable Algeria team: Melvin Mastil – Samir Chergui, Zinedine Belaid, Ramy Bensebaini, Jaouen Hadjam – Fares Chaibi, Adem Zorgane, Ibrahim Maza – Anis Hadj Moussa, Amin Chiakha, Mohamed Amoura.

Despite the conditions and Gouiri’s absence, Algeria’s significant advantage in quality and their long unbeaten away run make them favourites to win in Burundi.