During their second outing in Group I of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers, the Algerian national team narrowly avoided defeat, ultimately securing a 2-2 draw against a surprisingly resilient Burundian side. Confronted by the compact low block of the Swallows on the artificial turf at Bujumbura’s Intwari Stadium, Brahim Hemdani’s squad demonstrated undeniable grit to erase a two-goal deficit surrendered within the opening fifteen minutes.
Stripped of Amine Gouiri, who returned to Marseille following a quadriceps strain, the Desert Vipers got off to a disastrous start. Despite dominating possession (controlling over 70% of the ball overall), the Algerians lacked pace and paid a heavy price on Burundi’s swift counter-attacks.
As early as the 5th minute, confusion gripped the Greens’ defensive line: following a poor positional setup, Farès Chaïbi attempted an overly hit back-pass toward his goalkeeper Melvin Mastil, which trickled into the back of his own net (1-0, OG). Stunned by the opener, the Desert Vipers collapsed again just seven minutes later. On a clinical break, the elusive Jean Girumugisha broke free on a solo run and beat Mastil with a clinical angled finish across the goal (2-0, 12′).
Under sweltering heat approaching 30 degrees, Algeria struggled physically but found the resolve to respond prior to the interval. In the 30th minute, capitalizing on a poorly cleared ball by the Burundian backline around the penalty spot, Mohamed Bachir Belloumi smashed a shot past opposing goalkeeper Nahimana to restore hope for his side (2-1, 30′).
Following the second-half restart, Brahim Hemdani made tactical modifications, particularly after Himad Abdelli was forced off with an injury and replaced by Adem Zorgane. Though less sharp in attack despite the presence of young prospect Ibrahim Maza, the Algerian side still managed to break through. At the hour mark, Adil Boulbina imposed himself inside the box to turn the ball into the net and bring both nations back to level terms (2-2, 62′).
The final thirty minutes turned into an intense physical and tactical battle. Exhausted by the effort required to level the match, the Algerians lacked precision in the final third, exemplified by a few squandered opportunities by Ibrahim Maza late in the game. Burundi attempted to strike via counter-attacks, creating several nervous moments in Melvin Mastil’s area, but the scoreline remained unaltered.
While the overall performance will certainly leave the coaching staff with regrets, the point earned remains a positive outcome. Overcoming a two-goal deficit away from home under such demanding conditions demonstrates a resilience that the national team had not always shown in recent months.
Following their opening victory against Zambia (3-1), the Desert Vipers escape Bujumbura with a precious point that keeps them atop Group I. However, this match serves as a stern warning for Brahim Hemdani’s coaching staff ahead of the continuation of their continental campaign in October.