The first two rounds of the CAN 2027 qualifiers have produced both encouraging performances and difficult moments. Among those who have made disappointing starts are five players from Algeria, Libya, Equatorial Guinea and Benin, whose campaigns have been affected by costly errors, missed chances or inconsistent decision-making.
Fares Chaibi’s costly mistake
Fares Chaibi endured a difficult outing for Algeria against Burundi. Just five minutes into the match, the midfielder misjudged a backpass towards his goalkeeper and inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The mistake immediately put the Fennecs under pressure. Chaibi also appeared short of confidence during several other phases of the game, a concern for a player expected to provide creativity and control in midfield.
The 2-2 draw gave him the opportunity to put the error behind him, but he will need to regain his composure quickly and show that the incident was an isolated lapse rather than the beginning of a wider problem.
Ramy Bensebaini also punished
Algeria’s defensive difficulties continued only a few minutes later when Ramy Bensebaini lost possession in a dangerous area. Jean-Claude Girumugisha took advantage and scored Burundi’s second goal.
Bensebaini is regarded as one of the senior figures in the Algerian defence, making the mistake particularly damaging. Although the Fennecs recovered to secure a draw, his performance remained one of the defining features of the match.
His immediate task is to restore the concentration and authority expected from him as Algeria seek greater stability at the back.
El Maremi misses his chances
Libya’s Ezoo El Maremi was not let down by a lack of opportunities against Uganda. The forward had three clear chances to influence the result but failed to convert any of them.
For a striker, turning dangerous situations into goals is a fundamental requirement. El Maremi had the opportunities to become Libya’s match-winner, but his finishing instead left his side regretting what might have been.
His willingness to find promising positions was a positive sign. Greater accuracy with his final touch will be needed if he is to recover during the next matches.
Zuniga unable to deliver
Equatorial Guinea had hoped Loren Zuniga would provide a reliable attacking focal point during the opening two rounds. Instead, the striker repeatedly found himself in favourable positions without managing to finish.
That lack of efficiency has been particularly frustrating for the Nzalang Nacional, who need their main attacking option to turn periods of pressure into goals. Zuniga must now rediscover his scoring instinct, with every chance carrying added importance in a qualifying campaign.
Imourane struggles in midfield
Hassane Imourane also had a difficult start for Benin. Operating in a position where recovering possession and beginning attacks are key responsibilities, the defensive midfielder gave the ball away too often and was occasionally imprecise in possession.
Some hurried decisions exposed Benin to danger. In the holding role, he must protect the centre, avoid losing the ball in sensitive areas and help his team move possession forward smoothly.
The qualifiers are still at an early stage, leaving Imourane time to respond. Simpler choices and greater concentration could help him reverse the impression created by his opening performances.
The five players have struggled in different ways: Chaibi and Bensebaini through individual errors, El Maremi and Zuniga through missed chances, and Imourane through wastefulness in midfield. None of those setbacks represents a final judgment, but each player will need to improve quickly as the CAN 2027 qualifiers continue.