Riyad Mahrez delivered a clear message of ambition and restraint after Algeria secured a narrow but decisive 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that sealed qualification and first place in Group E.
The Algerian captain converted the winning penalty and later addressed the media with a tone that mixed satisfaction and caution.
Mahrez welcomed the outcome but quickly shifted focus to the bigger picture, stressing that qualification alone does not define success at a tournament of this magnitude.
“The most important thing is the three points, qualification, and first place,” Mahrez said. “Everyone feels happy, but this result represents only one step. We still have work to do if we want to go far.”
Algeria approached the match knowing the stakes, with Burkina Faso posing a familiar challenge. Mahrez acknowledged the importance of managing emotions, especially at a stage when expectations grow with each positive result.
He rejected both excessive praise and harsh criticism, insisting that balance remains essential throughout the competition.
“There will always be criticism,” he explained. “When things go badly, you cannot sink into it.
When things go well, you cannot lose control. You must keep working. We still have a long road ahead, and we can do much better.”
Mahrez also highlighted improvements in Algeria’s collective play, particularly in ball control and defensive organisation.
He pointed to better structure and composure as key factors that allowed the team to limit Burkina Faso’s attacking threat.
“We managed the ball better and controlled their attacking phases,” he said. “If we want to take the next step and win this competition, we must raise our level in every area.”
Beyond tactics, the Algerian forward addressed the demanding conditions surrounding the match.
He referred to the pitch, the climate, and the proximity of the crowd, all of which tested the players’ concentration and resilience.
Despite those challenges, Mahrez praised the supporters for their energy and presence.
“The crowd pushed us from the first minute,” he noted. “In these conditions, quality matters even more, and the fans played a big role.”
Looking ahead to the knockout stage, Mahrez refused to speculate too far in advance. Whether Algeria face Senegal or DR Congo, he expects a demanding encounter that will require full focus and discipline.
“I don’t know who we will face,” he said. “But whoever it is, it will be difficult.”
Algeria now enter the last 16 with confidence, momentum, and clarity. Mahrez’s message underlines a shared belief within the squad: qualification marks progress, not completion, and higher standards will decide how far the Desert Foxes can go.
