Algeria will look to make it two wins from two in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Burundi in Bujumbura on Tuesday, but they will be without injured striker Amine Gouiri.
The Fennecs began the Brahim Hemdani era with a 3-1 victory over Zambia, while Burundi were beaten 1-0 by Togo in their opening fixture last week.
Burundi created 16 attempts in an open game but were frustrated by Togo goalkeeper Malcolm Barcola, who made five saves. The result extended the Hirondelles’ difficult record in qualifying, with the side seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since their only appearance in 2019.
Burundi have failed to qualify in each of their past three attempts, finishing third in their group each time with only one victory. They have also lost their past five group-stage matches in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying, excluding preliminary rounds.
Algeria have won three and drawn two of their five previous meetings with Burundi, including a 4-0 victory in their most recent encounter, a warm-up match before the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of 2024.
Algeria face challenging conditions
Hemdani’s team made a positive start against Zambia, with Jaouen Hadjam scoring after two minutes. Fashion Sakala’s equaliser shortly after half-time exposed some defensive concerns, but Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa struck quickly to secure the win.
The away match presents a different test. Algeria face a six-hour flight, a synthetic pitch and an afternoon kick-off in temperatures close to 30°C. However, they have not lost an away qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations or World Cup since November 2018.
Burundi’s recent form in competitive matches is DVVDDD, and their record in all competitions is DDVVDD. Algeria’s corresponding sequences are VDNVDD and VDNVDV.
Patrick Sangwa has recalled Gael Bigirimana of Dungannon, although he did not feature in the opening match of the international break. Defensive midfielder Youssouf Ndayishimiye of Nice remains Burundi’s leading player, while Mossi Nduwumwe of MC Alger is the squad’s only other player based in Algeria. Saido Berahino is no longer being selected.
Gouiri went off injured against Zambia and has returned to his club. Amin Chiakha, who replaced him, is competing with Monsef Bakrar for the central striking position. Saadi Radouani could lose his place at right-back, while Mohamed Bachir Belloumi is battling Anis Hadj Moussa to succeed Riyad Mahrez on the right wing. Hadj Moussa strengthened his case by scoring after coming on against Zambia.
Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali are suspended. Rayan Ait-Nouri has also been sent back to his club after being disciplined internally for “indiscipline”.
Probable Burundi XI: Jonathan Nahimana; Akbar Muderi, Frederic Nsabiyumva, Omar Moussa, Christophe Nduwarugira; Abdoul Karim Mpawenimana, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Eldhnio; Saidi Ntibazonkiza, Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, Jean Claude Girumugisha.
Probable Algeria XI: Melvin Mastil; Samir Chergui, Zinedine Belaid, Ramy Bensebaini, Jaouen Hadjam; Fares Chaibi, Adem Zorgane, Ibrahim Maza; Anis Hadj Moussa, Amin Chiakha, Mohamed Amoura.
Algeria are ranked 29th in the FIFA rankings, compared with Burundi in 142nd. Despite the travel, heat, artificial surface and Gouiri’s absence, the Fennecs have enough in reserve to extend their unbeaten qualifying away run.