Burundi 2-2 Algeria: Fennecs held in AFCON 2027 qualifying

Algeria escaped with a 2-2 draw against Burundi in Bujumbura after conceding twice inside the opening 12 minutes. The Fennecs looked set for a damaging defeat before Mohamed Belloumi reduced the deficit in the 30th minute and Adil Boulbina completed the recovery with a direct free-kick in the 63rd. The result kept Algeria at the top of the qualifying group for the moment, although Zambia’s meeting with Togo later on Tuesday could alter the standings.

The opening phase was a shock for an Algerian side that had beaten Zambia 3-1 on Friday. Burundi attacked the visitors’ uncertain build-up and took the lead in the fifth minute, when Jean Girumugisha capitalised on an error from Ramy Bensebaini before running through to score. The Hirondelles doubled their advantage seven minutes later, putting Algeria under immediate pressure and forcing the visitors to chase the match from an early stage.

Burundi continued to threaten on the counter after going 2-0 ahead. Mossi Nduwumwe broke into the area on the right and lifted a shot just over the Algerian goal, while Eldhino saw another attempt deflected behind after a transition. Kanakimana also created danger with a run down the left before trying to finish inside the six-yard box. Algeria had most of the ball, but possession did not initially translate into shots or control of the contest.

The response finally arrived in the 30th minute. A loose clearance from the Burundi defence fell to Belloumi near the penalty spot, and the Algerian forward struck a low cross-shot into the net. The goal gave the visitors a route back into the game, but Burundi remained dangerous before half-time. Nduwumwe was found in front of goal from a low cross and appeared to finish, only for the action to be stopped for offside. Marseille midfielder Abdelli also had to leave the field before the interval after taking a heavy tackle, with Zorgane replacing him.

Algeria increased its share of possession after the restart, but the match remained open. Burundi goalkeeper Nahimana tipped a difficult header over the crossbar, and another attempt from the Algerian attack missed the target. At the other end, Amissi came close during a goalmouth scramble, with a defender making an emergency intervention before nobody could reach the loose ball. Ndayishimiye then headed wide from a corner despite being in a good position.

The equaliser came from a piece of individual quality rather than sustained pressure. Boulbina won a free-kick just outside the area on the left and sent a powerful, curling strike into the top corner in the 63rd minute. The goal erased Burundi’s two-goal lead and restored parity, but Algeria could not find a winner. The visitors combined effectively in some attacking moves, yet Burundi repeatedly cleared the danger and the game became quieter after the 2-2 goal.

The match figures underline the contrast between Algeria’s control of the ball and Burundi’s threat when attacking space. The Fennecs had 70 per cent possession, but Burundi led the shot count 8-4 and also recorded the higher expected-goals figure, 0.69 to 0.15. Algeria’s dominance of possession was therefore largely territorial, while the home side created the clearer opportunities through quick breaks and pressure on the visitors’ defensive mistakes.

Burundi still had chances to restore its lead late in the match. A header from a corner missed the target, and a free-kick from around 30 to 35 metres sailed over the bar. Algeria also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty when Boulbina went down after being played in behind, but the referee waved play on. The draw gave Burundi a point after an impressive start, while Algeria surrendered the perfect momentum created by its win over Zambia. The immediate group picture will become clearer when Zambia and Togo meet at 18:00 on Tuesday; the qualification format sends the top two teams from the group to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.