Both Algeria and Burkina Faso will aim to build on winning starts to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaigns when they meet at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan on Sunday evening. A victory for either side would bring them close to securing a spot in the knockout stages, but with the last three encounters between these sides ending in draws, fans can expect another closely contested affair.
Match Preview: Algeria Seek to Maintain Dominance
Algeria began their AFCON journey with a commanding 3-0 win over Sudan, asserting early control of the group on goal difference. Riyad Mahrez set the tone, scoring within two minutes and doubling the lead after the break, while Ibrahim Maza capped a dominant performance to seal the victory for Vladimir Petkovic’s Desert Warriors.
The two-time African champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2019, will be eager to banish memories of recent early exits and build momentum as they target a deep run in Morocco.
Burkina Faso Look to Continue Streak of Comebacks
Burkina Faso, familiar opponents from the 2023 AFCON group stage, arrive in high spirits after a remarkable 2-1 comeback against Equatorial Guinea. Despite playing against ten men from the 50th minute and conceding late, substitute Georgi Minoungou equalised in stoppage time before Edmond Tapsoba struck the winner three minutes later.
The Stallions, under Brama Traore, are now in a strong position and a positive result against Algeria would significantly improve their chances of advancing beyond the round of 16, after falling short in the previous edition.
Form Guide
Algeria (AFCON 2025): W
Algeria (All Competitions): W L W W D
Burkina Faso (AFCON 2025): W
Burkina Faso (All Competitions): W W W W W
Both sides come into this clash in fine form—Algeria unbeaten in 11 games (8 wins) and Burkina Faso unbeaten in seven (6 wins).
Team News and Possible Lineups
Algeria head into the clash with a fully fit squad after managing player minutes carefully against Sudan. Mahrez, just three caps shy of Aissa Mandi’s national appearance record, will lead the attack. Rayan Ait-Nouri, recently recovered from fitness concerns, is expected to retain his place.
Algeria (Possible XI): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bennacer; Mahrez, Chaibi, Amoura; Bounedjah
Burkina Faso have no injury or suspension concerns and may stick to the winning XI from the first game. However, Minoungou’s heroics off the bench could earn him a starting role.
Burkina Faso (Possible XI): Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Sangare, Quedraogo, Toure; B.Traore, Minoungou, Ouattara
Prediction: Expect Another Draw
Given recent head-to-head results and current form, another stalemate seems likely, though both teams are capable of scoring.
Prediction: Algeria 1-1 Burkina Faso
