CAN 2027 qualifiers: Algeria fight back from two-goal deficit to draw with Burundi

Algeria rescued a 2-2 draw against Burundi in Bujumbura after conceding twice inside the opening 12 minutes, but their recovery could not hide defensive mistakes and a lack of balance in midfield.

The result leaves the Fennecs unbeaten with four points from their first two matches in the CAN 2027 qualifiers. However, after the encouragement provided by their victory over Zambia, the performance offered Brahim Hemdani a reminder of the work still required.

Algeria’s poor start was largely self-inflicted. In the fifth minute, Ramy Bensebaini’s misplaced pass was followed by a careless backpass from Fares Chaibi, which went straight into the net after Mastil had left his line.

Bensebaini was at fault again seven minutes later as Burundi doubled their advantage. His covering and attempted intervention failed to stop the move, while Jaouen Hadjam was also beaten too easily down the flank. Achraf Abada had to clear close to his own goal late on, underlining how vulnerable Algeria remained. A more clinical opponent could have punished them even more severely.

The problem extended beyond individual errors. Algeria often appeared split in two, with Himad Abdelli and Fares Chaibi unable to provide sufficient protection in front of the defence. Both are more naturally suited to creating and moving forward than winning the ball, and Burundi were able to exploit the space once they passed the first line of pressure.

Abdelli was forced off in the 43rd minute after a collision, with Adem Zorgane taking his place. His introduction brought greater control, although it did not remove all of Algeria’s problems. The match may encourage Hemdani to consider a three-man midfield, after his 4-2-3-1 system repeatedly left gaps between the lines when possession was lost.

Amin Chiakha was handed his first start after playing 70 minutes as a substitute against Zambia, but the Rosenborg forward made little impact in the number nine role. He received few usable passes because of Algeria’s construction problems, although imprecise control and poor execution also limited his opportunities. The artificial surface and the heat made the task harder, and the 20-year-old should not be judged conclusively on one match. Monsef Bakrar’s introduction added little attacking threat either.

Hemdani also had fewer options than against Zambia. Anis Hadj Moussa, carrying a minor injury, could have provided more ability to beat defenders, while Amine Gouiri had left the squad early after being injured against Zambia. Ibrahim Maza tried to create openings but often failed with his final pass or execution. Hadjam’s difficult display also highlighted the importance of competition from Rayan Ait-Nouri, who was sent home after losing his temper in the previous match. His conduct is a separate issue, but his absence had an obvious sporting effect.

Algeria did show character. Mohamed Bachir Belloumi scored his first international goal around the half-hour mark, finishing low with his left foot after a series of rebounds in the area. In the 63rd minute, Adil Boulbina curled a superb free-kick into the top corner to level the match.

The substitutes had less influence than against Zambia, apart from Zorgane, so the point owed most to Algeria’s mental response and two decisive moments from Belloumi and Boulbina. They remain unbeaten, but Bujumbura showed that, for now, their ability to recover is greater than their control of matches.