Algeria booked their AFCON knockout ticket with a tight win over Burkina Faso. Riyad Mahrez sealed the 1-0 Group E victory in Rabat with a first-half penalty, making him the tournament's current top scorer. The decisive spot kick came after a foul on Rayan Ait Nouri, with Mahrez sending the keeper the wrong way. Algeria now tops the group with six points and cannot be caught due to the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Burkina Faso pushed hard for an equalizer throughout the match. Their best chance came just before halftime when a Pierre Kabore header struck the post. Algerian keeper Luca Zidane was also forced into a late save to deny a Lassina Traore header. Despite pressure, the Algerian defense held firm to secure the result. Burkina Faso, with three points, will now face Sudan in their final match to decide who joins Algeria in the next round.
Burkina Faso pushed hard for an equalizer throughout the match. Their best chance came just before halftime when a Pierre Kabore header struck the post. Algerian keeper Luca Zidane was also forced into a late save to deny a Lassina Traore header. Despite pressure, the Algerian defense held firm to secure the result. Burkina Faso, with three points, will now face Sudan in their final match to decide who joins Algeria in the next round.
