Algeria have booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with one game to spare after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso in their second group stage match at Rabat on Sunday, Bold Sports reports.
A first-half penalty from captain Riyad Mahrez proved crucial as the Desert Warriors secured a second consecutive win to move onto six points, becoming the third side to qualify for the round of 16 after Egypt and Nigeria.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Algeria were awarded a spot kick after Ismahila Ouedraogo’s foul inside the box. Mahrez stepped up with trademark composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to register his third goal of the tournament and extend his lead as the competition’s top scorer.
Vladimir Petkovic’s men looked to build on their advantage and pressed for a second goal before the interval, but despite enjoying spells of dominance, they were unable to find a way past a disciplined Burkina Faso defence.
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Algeria continued on the front foot after the break, creating openings but lacking the clinical edge needed to put the game beyond reach. Burkina Faso, meanwhile, grew into the contest and enjoyed the majority of possession as they searched for an equaliser. However, their control of the ball failed to translate into clear-cut chances, with Algeria’s back line standing firm under pressure.
In the end, the Desert Warriors’ organisation and experience saw them safely over the line, preserving the narrow lead to seal qualification with a game to spare.
The result leaves Algeria top of Group E with six points from two matches. Burkina Faso remain second on three points, level with Sudan, who earlier defeated Equatorial Guinea to move into third place. Equatorial Guinea are rooted to the bottom of the group without a point.
Algeria will conclude their group campaign against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, while Sudan face Burkina Faso in a decisive clash on the same day. The winner of that encounter is guaranteed to join the Desert Warriors in the knockout stages.
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