RABAT: Riyad Mahrez scored a first-half penalty as Algeria booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Group E on Sunday in Rabat.
The victory lifted Algeria to six points, ensuring top spot in the group. With the head-to-head rule in their favour, they can no longer be overtaken by either Burkina Faso or Sudan, who both sit on three points ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Algeria took the lead just past the 20-minute mark when Rayan Ait-Nouri was brought down in the box by Ismahila Ouedraogo. Mahrez calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Herve Koffi the wrong way. The goal was Mahrez’s ninth at the Africa Cup of Nations, extending his record as Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament. He is also the top scorer of the current edition, having netted twice in the opening 3-0 win over Sudan.
Burkina Faso threatened an equaliser before halftime, with Pierre Kabore striking the post from close range, but Algeria managed to clear their lines. Koffi remained busy in the second half, producing saves to deny Mohamed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza, while also watching Maza scuff a later chance wide.
At the other end, Luca Zidane showed sharp reflexes to keep out a late header from Lassina Traore as Burkina Faso pushed for a leveller. Algeria now face already-eliminated Equatorial Guinea in their final group match, while Burkina Faso meet Sudan on Wednesday in a decisive clash for qualification.
