Algeria have sealed qualification for the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare after edging Burkina Faso 1-0 in their second Group E fixture in Rabat on Sunday.
The narrow victory further underlined Algeria’s growing confidence at the tournament, as the Desert Warriors continued their perfect start in the group stage and confirmed their status as one of the early favourites for the title.
Captain Riyad Mahrez was the difference, converting a first-half penalty to deliver a second straight win for the Desert Warriors and move them onto six points, confirming their place in the knockout phase alongside Egypt and Nigeria.
The Manchester City winger once again led by example, showcasing his experience and calmness on the big stage when his team needed a moment of quality.
Early breakthrough proves decisive
The defining moment arrived in the 23rd minute when Algeria were awarded a penalty following a foul by Ismahila Ouedraogo inside the area.
After a brief consultation with the assistant referee, the spot-kick decision stood, giving Algeria a golden opportunity to take control of the contest.
Mahrez showed trademark composure from the spot, wrong-footing the goalkeeper to score his third goal of the tournament and maintain his position as AFCON’s leading scorer.
The goal settled Algeria into their rhythm, allowing them to dictate the tempo and keep Burkina Faso largely at arm’s length.
Algeria controlled large spells of the first half and looked capable of extending their lead, but Burkina Faso’s defensive structure limited clear chances before the interval.
Despite enjoying more possession, the Desert Warriors were forced to be patient as their opponents sat deep and looked to frustrate them.
Game management seals qualification
Vladimir Petkovic’s side remained on the front foot after the restart, creating openings but lacking the cutting edge to kill the contest.
Several half-chances fell Algeria’s way, but wasteful finishing and last-ditch defending from Burkina Faso kept the scoreline tight.
Burkina Faso grew into the game, enjoying more possession as they chased an equaliser, yet struggled to break down a well-organised Algerian defence.
The Algerian backline stayed disciplined, clearing their lines efficiently and limiting Burkina Faso to speculative efforts from distance.
Experience ultimately told, as Algeria managed the closing stages efficiently to preserve their narrow advantage and secure progression.
The Desert Warriors slowed the game down in the final minutes, using smart substitutions and ball retention to see out the result.
The result leaves Algeria top of Group E with six points. Burkina Faso sit second on three points, level with Sudan, while Equatorial Guinea remain bottom without a point.
With qualification already assured, Algeria will approach their final group game with confidence and the opportunity to rotate their squad if needed.
Algeria face Equatorial Guinea in their final group match on Wednesday, with Sudan and Burkina Faso meeting in a decisive encounter for the remaining knockout spot.
As the knockout rounds approach, Algeria’s blend of experience, organisation, and individual quality continues to make them one of the teams to watch at AFCON 2025.