Algeria held by Burundi after early defensive collapse in CAN 2027 qualifier

Algeria recovered from conceding twice inside the first 12 minutes to draw 2-2 with Burundi on Tuesday, preserving their unbeaten start to the CAN 2027 qualifiers but exposing significant defensive and tactical weaknesses.

The result leaves the Greens with four points from two matches, following their victory over Zambia. Mohamed Bachir Belloumi pulled one goal back before half-time, while Adil Boulbina’s superb free-kick in the 63rd minute completed the comeback. Algeria pressed for a winner but could not erase the chances they had allowed Burundi.

Brahim Hemdani’s side contributed heavily to their own poor start. In the fifth minute, a failed clearance from Ramy Bensebaini was followed by Fares Chaibi’s attempted back-pass, which went straight into the net after goalkeeper Mastil had left his line.

Bensebaini was again involved seven minutes later when his positioning and challenge failed to stop Burundi’s second goal. Algeria’s defensive uncertainty continued, with Jaouen Hadjam beaten too easily on the flank and Achraf Abada forced to clear close to his own line late on. A more clinical opponent could have punished them further.

The problem was also structural. Himad Abdelli and Chaibi, deployed in front of the defence, offered limited protection because their strengths lie more in creating and moving forward than in winning the ball. Algeria repeatedly appeared divided into two, with large spaces opening between the lines whenever possession was lost.

Abdelli went off in the 43rd minute after a collision and was replaced by Adem Zorgane, whose introduction brought more control without solving every issue. The performance may encourage Hemdani to consider a midfield three rather than continue with the 4-2-3-1 used in Bujumbura.

Amin Chiakha was handed his first start after playing 70 minutes as a substitute against Zambia, but the Rosenborg striker made little impact in the number nine role. He received few useful passes during Algeria’s difficult build-up, although imprecise touches and poorly executed actions also undermined his limited opportunities. The artificial surface and heat did not help the 20-year-old, who still needs time before being judged, while Monsef Bakrar’s arrival offered no greater attacking threat.

Hemdani was also without Anis Hadj Moussa, who had a slight injury, and Amine Gouiri, who left the squad early after being injured against Zambia. Hadj Moussa could have added more ability to beat defenders, while Gouiri’s movement and combination play around the box were missed. Ibrahim Maza tried to create openings but often failed with the final pass or execution.

Hadjam’s difficult outing also underlined the importance of competition from Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, who was sent home after losing his temper in the previous match. His conduct is a separate matter, but his absence had an obvious footballing impact.

Algeria’s response was the main positive. Around the half-hour mark, Belloumi scored his first international goal, finishing low with his left foot after a series of rebounds in the box. Boulbina then found the top corner with a magnificent free-kick to rescue a troubled display.

The substitutes had less influence than against Zambia, with Zorgane the notable exception. The draw was secured largely through Algeria’s mental response and two decisive moments from Belloumi and Boulbina. They remain unbeaten, but Burundi showed Hemdani that his team has the talent to recover without yet possessing the control needed to avoid putting itself in danger.