Riyad Mahrez once again proved decisive on the continental stage as Algeria booked their place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso.
Both sides came into their second Group E fixture knowing that a win would be enough to seal qualification, and the tension was evident from the opening exchanges at the Moulay Hassan Stadium.
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Algeria enjoyed more of the ball, but Burkina Faso’s compact shape ensured clear chances were at a premium in a cagey first half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute when Rayan Aït-Nouri’s surging run into the penalty area was halted by Ismahila Ouédraogo.
After brief protests, the referee pointed to the spot, and Mahrez showed trademark composure to roll the ball past Hervé Koffi. The goal, Mahrez’s ninth at AFCON finals, ultimately proved decisive.
Burkina Faso came close to an immediate response before the interval. Pierre Landry Kaboré’s powerful header struck the post after a slight deflection, while Algeria almost doubled their lead moments later when Mohamed Amoura was denied by a sharp save from Koffi following a Mahrez-led counterattack.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Algeria probing patiently and Burkina Faso looking dangerous in transition.
Georgi Minoungou fired narrowly wide from distance, while Ibrahim Maza and Hicham Boudaoui both went close for the Desert Foxes as they searched for a cushion.
The Stallions mounted a late surge, and Lassina Traoré’s header forced Luca Zidane into a crucial save in the dying minutes, but Algeria’s defence held firm to secure back-to-back group victories.
The win not only confirms Algeria’s passage to the knockout rounds but also continues their closely balanced AFCON rivalry with Burkina Faso, now level across four group-stage meetings at the finals.
Algeria will round off their group campaign against Equatorial Guinea, while Burkina Faso face a must-win clash with Sudan as they look to keep their tournament hopes alive.
