Algeria were held to a 2-2 draw by Burundi in a dramatic 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday. The hosts took an early two-goal lead before the Algerians fought back with strikes from Mohamed Belloumi and Adil Boulbina to remain top of Group 2 with 4 points.
The match started disastrously for Algeria as Fares Chaibi turned the ball into his own net in the 5th minute. Burundi compounded the misery just seven minutes later when J. Girumugisha scored to make it 2-0. Coach B. Hemdani's side found themselves in a difficult position within the first quarter of an hour.
They settled after that and began to create chances. The response came on the half-hour mark when Mohamed Belloumi fired a powerful shot from outside the box to pull one back. Belloumi received a yellow card before the break. In the second half, Algeria continued to press and Adil Boulbina found the equaliser in the 63rd minute.
Coach Hemdani made five substitutions in search of a winner, introducing Adil Aouchiche, Monsef Bakrar, Mohamed Amoura, Adem Zorgane and Ilan Kebbal. Neither side could find a decisive goal despite further attempts. Kebbal was booked in added time.
Algeria dominated possession with 70% to Burundi's 30%, but managed only 11 shots to the hosts' 13. Burundi also won six corners to Algeria's two.
Attention now turns to a key home qualifier against Niger on October 6th.
Reports on Tuesday confirmed the Algerian national team maintained top spot in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group with 4 points after drawing with Burundi. A source close to the Algerian Football Federation said, "The result was not satisfactory but top spot remains important."
Manager Bilal Hamdani confirmed on Tuesday that the team's first conceded goal was due to an individual error. Hamdani said in a press conference, "The defensive mistake cost us an early goal."
