Algeria produced a stunning second-half recovery to rescue a 2-2 draw against Burundi and preserve their unbeaten start to the World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Desert Foxes endured a nightmare opening at the Stade Intwari, falling two goals behind inside the first 12 minutes before eventually fighting their way back to share the points.
Burundi needed only five minutes to break the deadlock, with Algeria midfielder Farès Chaïbi unfortunate to put the ball into his own net.
The hosts sensed an opportunity and doubled their advantage just seven minutes later. Jean Girumugisha found the back of the net to send Burundi into a commanding 2-0 lead and put Algeria under serious pressure.
However, Algeria refused to collapse.
The visitors gradually settled into the contest and pulled one goal back in the 30th minute through Mohamed El Amine Belloumi. His finish gave the North Africans a crucial lifeline heading into the final stages of the first half.
Algeria were dealt another blow before the break when Himad Abdelli was forced off with an injury, leaving the visitors facing another difficult moment in a game that had already tested their resilience.
But the setback did little to halt Algeria’s momentum.
Brahim Hamdani’s side returned after the interval with greater urgency, pushing Burundi deeper and searching for the goal that would bring them level.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 63rd minute.
Adil Boulbina completed the comeback when he found the net to make it 2-2, turning what had looked like a comfortable Burundi victory into a fiercely contested qualification battle.
The equaliser changed the mood of the game, with Algeria now sensing that a remarkable turnaround was possible.
Burundi, however, held firm during the closing stages and prevented the visitors from completing the comeback. Algeria pushed for a winner, but neither side could produce the decisive third goal.
The final whistle confirmed a share of the spoils, leaving Algeria with four points from their opening two Group I matches.
The result means the Desert Foxes remain unbeaten after opening their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Zambia. For Burundi, the point represents their first of the qualifying campaign after their opening 1-0 defeat to Togo.
What initially looked like a comfortable home victory ultimately became a test of Algeria’s character, with the visitors showing enough attacking resilience to erase a two-goal deficit and leave Burundi frustrated.
For the hosts, the early advantage will offer encouragement, although surrendering a two-goal lead will be a major frustration. Algeria, meanwhile, can take confidence from their ability to respond when the pressure was at its highest.
The 2-2 draw leaves both teams with plenty still to play for as the race for World Cup qualification in Group I gathers pace.
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