Captain Riyad Mahrez scored the lone goal, a priceless strike from the penalty spot that secured three points for Algeria and confirmed their qualification to the Round of 16 at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025.
The Algerians firmed up their place top of Group E as they moved to six points after back-to-back wins. Burkina Faso remain second with three points, level with Sudan who earlier on beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0.
It was a tough and physically demanding duel, and the tempo cost Algeria an early change, Juan Hadjam, forced off injured and replaced by striker Baghdad Bounedjah after just 13 minutes, following a heavy challenge from Gustavo Sangaré.
The physicality of the game ultimately cost Burkina Faso after Rayan Aït-Nouri was fouled inside the box by Ismahila Ouedraogo in the 23rd minute, the referee pointing to the spot. Skipper Mahrez stepped up and made no mistake with a calm conversion to give Les Fennecs an early lead.
Algeria could have ended the half with a two-goal cushion, but Mohamed Amoura saw his shot from close range off a Mahrez assist saved by the keeper.
In the second half, Vladimir Petković’s men maintained the same rhythm, creating several chances, but were unable to convert them. Ibrahim Maza and Aït-Nouri both had clear opportunities to score, but were thwarted by the Burkinabe keeper Kouakou Koffi.
Burkina Faso also had chances of their own, the closest being a curler from the colorful substitute Georgi Minoungou. The effort went inches over the bar. Despite more efforts to battle for an equalizer, Algeria defended with discipline.
Algeria will now take on already eliminated Equatorial Guinea in their final group match, while Burkina Faso will battle with Sudan in a high-billed clash that will determine who gets the second automatic ticket to the knockout phase.
The two matches will be played on new Year’s eve.
CAF.
