Algeria found a way back from the edge, but not a way past Burundi. Two goals down inside 12 minutes, Brahim Hemdani’s side recovered to draw 2-2 in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, leaving a difficult afternoon feeling more like a warning than a rescue.
Algeria recover after disastrous opening
- Algeria began their qualifying campaign under Hemdani with a 3-1 win over Zambia in Tizi Ouzou on Friday night.
- Against Burundi on Tuesday afternoon, the Algerian national team suffered an alarming start and trailed 2-0 after only 12 minutes.
- Bachir Belloumi reduced the deficit in the 30th minute, scoring his first goal for Algeria.
- Adil Boulbina, the forward from Jijel, then scored Algeria’s second to complete the comeback and secure a 2-2 draw.
First setback for Hemdani
The result represents the first stumble of Hemdani’s tenure after the encouraging victory over Zambia. Algeria were frequently nervous and wasteful against Burundi, particularly during an opening spell that left them chasing the game almost immediately.
Belloumi’s maiden international goal and Boulbina’s equaliser were the clear positives, showing that Algeria could respond after their early collapse. Yet the failure to turn the comeback into a win means the draw will be regarded as a disappointment in their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign.
