Algeria booked their place in the AFCON knockout stage with a narrow 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso on Sunday, moving clear at the top of Group E with six points.
Match Highlights
The decisive moment came in the 21st minute when Rayan Ait-Nouri was brought down in the box by Ismahila Ouedraogo. Riyad Mahrez stepped up and coolly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Herve Koffi the wrong way.
The goal extended Mahrez’s record as Algeria’s all-time leading AFCON scorer to nine goals. He is also the tournament’s top scorer so far in this edition, with three goals.
Burkina Faso pushed for an equaliser, coming closest before halftime when Pierre Kabore’s header struck the post. Algeria survived further pressure in the second half, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane making key saves to preserve the lead.
Group Situation
The win confirms Algeria’s place in the last 16 and guarantees them top spot in Group E. Burkina Faso will now face Sudan in a decisive final group match to determine the second qualifier, while Algeria rounds off their group campaign against Equatorial Guinea.
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