Riyad Mahrez continued to show his impressive form by netting his third goal in just two matches as Algeria secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Rabat, thus sealing their spot in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations. The former Manchester City winger showcased his composure by converting a first-half penalty awarded after a reckless challenge by Ismahila Ouedraogo, giving Algeria an early advantage.
Burkina Faso fought hard in search of an equalizer but struggled to pose a significant threat to the Algerian defense until the closing moments of the game. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, Herve Koffi, made several crucial saves to keep his team in the contest.
This vital win propels the 2019 champions to the top of Group E with six points, while Equatorial Guinea was eliminated from the tournament following Sudan’s 1-0 victory earlier in the day. Algeria’s performance reflects their strong potential as they advance in the tournament, raising hopes among their supporters for another potential title run.