AFCON 2025/ Mahrez fires Algeria into knockout stages
Riyad Mahrez’s early penalty secured a 1-0 victory for Algeria over Burkina Faso, sending the 2019 champions into the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 with a match to spare.
The Algerian captain kept his composure to convert a 22nd-minute spot-kick, awarded for a foul on Nouri, for his third goal of the tournament.
Despite Burkina Faso pressure, highlighted by Pierre Kabore’s first-half header against the post, Algeria’s defence held firm.
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine, commanded his area confidently in the second half as the Stallions sought an equalizer.
Burkinabe keeper Herve Koffi also proved crucial with key saves to preserve the narrow lead.
The result leaves Algeria top of Group E with six points, ensuring early qualification and banishing memories of their group-stage exits in the last two tournaments. Burkina Faso must now win their final match against Sudan to keep their knockout hopes alive.
