Early Blow for Algeria: Hajjam’s Injury Sparks AFCON Shuffle Against Burkina Faso

Early setback for Algeria

Jwan Hajjam suffers an injury just seven minutes into Algeria's AFCON group-stage clash with Burkina Faso, forcing head coach Vladimir Petkovic into an early substitution.

The match, part of Group Five, pauses briefly as medical staff treat the left-back after the seventh-minute incident.

Replays show Hajjam being landed on by Burkina Faso's Gustavo Sangiari, leaving him in visible pain and prompting the change.

Following a VAR review requested by the referee due to potential disciplinary action, the incident ends with a yellow card shown to the Burkina Faso player.

Despite treatment, Hajjam cannot continue and is substituted. Coach Petkovic brings on Baghdad Bongach, and reshuffles a few positions, notably moving Aït Nouri back to left-back from midfield.

Tactical reshuffle and late drama

The substitution alters Algeria’s balance as the match progresses, with Bongach offering a new target up front and Petkovic tweaking the midfield and defensive shape.

The incident leaves Algeria with concerns ahead of the next fixture, while Burkina Faso presses on with their game plan.

Punchline: If injuries were replays, Hajjam's would be the quickest cliffhanger in AFCON history.

Punchline 2: And apparently even the medical kit at AFCON has a habit of getting a yellow card for dramatic exits.