Algeria secured their spot in the AFCON 2025 knockout stages with a determined 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat.
Captain Riyad Mahrez converted a first-half penalty to seal the three points, keeping the Greens perfect with six points from two Group E matches.
Algeria started strong, earning a penalty in the 22nd minute when Rayan Aït-Nouri was fouled by Ismahila Ouedraogo. Mahrez calmly slotted it past Herve Koffi for his seventh goal contribution in five internationals. Burkina Faso pushed back, with Pierre Kabore hitting the post and Bertrand Traore denied by the defense, but they couldn’t equalize before halftime.
Ibrahim Maza shone brightly, earning Man of the Match honors for his constant threat up top. He nearly scored twice, firing wide early and forcing a point-blank save from Koffi later. Goalkeeper Herve Koffi kept Burkina Faso alive with brilliant stops, including one on Maza in the 69th minute.
Algeria controlled the second half, with Hicham Boudaoui and Aït-Nouri going close, while Burkina Faso’s late efforts fizzled. The win tops Group E for Algeria ahead of their final game against Equatorial Guinea. Burkina Faso, on three points, face a must-win against Sudan.
