Algeria were forced to produce a strong second-half comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Burundi on Tuesday as several of Africa’s leading football nations strengthened their positions in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The North Africans fell two goals behind inside the opening 12 minutes in Bujumbura but recovered to take a point from their Group I encounter. Meanwhile, Egypt, Morocco and Senegal all recorded victories away from home in a busy day of qualifying action.
The 2027 AFCON finals will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with the qualifying competition featuring 48 nations divided into 12 groups.
Algeria Survive Early Burundi Scare
Algeria endured a difficult beginning against Burundi, conceding twice during a chaotic opening spell.
The first goal came in the fifth minute when Algeria midfielder Farès Chaïbi was credited with an own goal. Burundi quickly capitalised again, with Jean Girumugisha finding the net seven minutes later to put the hosts 2-0 ahead.
The early setback forced Algeria to chase the game, but the Desert Foxes gradually regained control.
Mohamed El Amine Belloumi reduced the deficit in the 30th minute, giving Algeria renewed hope before the interval.
The visitors continued to push after the break and eventually completed the comeback when Adil Boulbina scored in the 63rd minute to make it 2-2.
Despite their attempts to find a winning goal, Algeria had to settle for a draw. The result leaves them unbeaten after two matches, although their performance was less convincing than their opening-round victory over Zambia.
Egypt Cruise Past South Sudan
Egypt produced the most emphatic victory among Tuesday’s leading contenders, defeating South Sudan 5-0 in Juba.
The Pharaohs entered the match without captain and star forward Mohamed Salah, who was rested because of concerns surrounding the artificial playing surface.
His absence did little to affect Egypt’s attacking threat as they scored five times to claim their first victory in Group B.
Omar Marmoush was among the standout performers, scoring twice, while Mostafa Zico, Ibrahim Adel and teenage forward Hamza Abdelkarim also found the net.
The result was particularly significant for Egypt after they were held to a goalless draw by Angola in their opening qualifier.
Morocco Maintain Perfect Start
Morocco continued their impressive beginning to the qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Lesotho.
The match was played in Bloemfontein, South Africa, rather than Lesotho because the home side does not currently have a stadium that meets international requirements.
Brahim Diaz opened the scoring shortly before halftime, taking advantage of defensive uncertainty to give Morocco the lead.
Azzedine Ounahi then sealed the victory eight minutes from full time, ensuring Morocco collected another three points and maintained their position at the top of Group A.
The Atlas Lions had also won their opening qualifier against Gabon, making it two victories from two matches.
Senegal Claim First Win Under Vieira
Senegal also secured their first victory under new coach Patrick Vieira after edging Ethiopia 1-0.
The reigning African champions had started their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique, increasing the importance of Tuesday’s encounter.
Ibrahim Mbaye gave Senegal the lead after 11 minutes following a pass from Aston Villa forward Nicolas Jackson.
Ethiopia attempted to respond but Senegal’s defence held firm for the remainder of the match.
The victory gives Vieira his first competitive win since taking charge of Senegal and provides the team with three valuable points as the Group J race develops.
Mozambique Record Impressive Win
Mozambique also enjoyed a productive night, defeating Sudan 4-1 in Maputo.
The hosts moved to the top of Group J on goal difference, with striker Chamito scoring twice in a commanding performance.
The result represented another strong showing from Mozambique after their opening-round draw with Senegal.
Elsewhere, Comoros claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia. Benjaloud Youssouf scored shortly after halftime to give his side their first three points of the campaign.
Qualifying Race Begins to Take Shape
With the second round of matches underway, the qualifying picture is beginning to develop across the 12 groups.
Morocco have made a perfect start, while Egypt bounced back strongly from their opening draw. Senegal have also recovered from their first-round setback, while Algeria remain unbeaten despite being held by Burundi.
The AFCON 2027 qualifiers will continue through the current international window before the next rounds take place in November. The final two rounds are scheduled for March 2027, with the tournament itself set to be staged across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda later that year.
