Algeria’s midfield imbalance exposed in Burundi draw

Algeria’s lack of a specialist defensive midfielder was laid bare in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Burundi in the CAN 2027 qualifiers, after they conceded twice inside the opening 12 minutes.

Mohamed Bachir Belloumi and Adil Boulbina rescued a point for Brahim Hemdani’s side, but the comeback could not conceal the weaknesses exposed by the match in Bujumbura.

The most pressing concern was the lack of balance in midfield. Algeria’s defence looked vulnerable while their attack was isolated for long periods, leaving a large gap through the centre of the team.

The question now facing Hemdani is who can provide consistent protection in front of the back four.

Algeria began in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Himad Abdelli and Fares Chaibi positioned ahead of the defence. Both offer significant technical ability, but neither is a natural holding midfielder accustomed to screening the central defenders, winning challenges and stopping counter-attacks.

Abdelli is more comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker who can move the ball forward, while Chaibi is naturally drawn towards attacking positions and creating chances. Burundi repeatedly found it too easy to pass through Algeria’s first line of defence.

Individual mistakes by Chaibi and Ramy Bensebaini contributed directly to Burundi’s first two goals, although those errors were symptoms of a wider structural problem.

Adem Zorgane brought greater control and improved distribution after Abdelli was forced off injured. However, he is also primarily an organiser rather than a specialist ball-winner.

The issue predates the match in Bujumbura. Since Adlene Guedioura retired, Algeria have not found a player who combines strength, defensive impact and positional discipline in front of the defence.

Hemdani’s options were reduced by the absences of Nabil Bentaleb and Hicham Boudaoui, although their returns would not necessarily settle the debate. Ismael Bennacer needs to regain continuity, while Ramiz Zerrouki has not established himself as an undisputed long-term answer in the position.

There is an apparent contradiction in Hemdani’s approach. He has sought to refresh the midfield with more creative players, including Abdelli, Aouchiche and Bourabaa, who can operate between the lines and make forward runs. But the draw against Burundi showed that technical quality alone is not enough when nobody is dedicated to the defensive work.

Abdelouahab Satta has some of the qualities required, and Hemdani has known the midfielder since the Jeux mediterraneens. The promising MC Alger player, however, still lacks experience at the highest level and appears more likely to be a future option than an immediate solution.

In the short term, Hemdani must either identify a suitable holding midfielder from his squad or adjust the system. A three-man midfield could distribute responsibilities more effectively and prevent two creative players from being left to protect the entire side.

The match in Bujumbura offered an early warning for Hemdani’s tenure: Algeria have talented midfielders, but they still lack the player prepared to perform the defensive work the others do not provide.