Riyad Mahrez scored from the penalty spot as Algeria edged past Burkina Faso 1-0 in Rabat to secure qualification for the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Algeria captain netted his third goal in two matches, calmly converting in the first half after Ismahila Ouedraogo brought down an opponent in the box. The strike also saw Mahrez become Algeria’s all-time top scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations with nine goals.
The 2019 champions, who had suffered two straight group-stage exits in previous tournaments, controlled large spells of the game. Mahrez, who scored twice in the opening 3-0 win over Sudan, placed his penalty low into the corner, leaving goalkeeper Herve Koffi with no chance.
Burkina Faso reacted well and pushed for an equaliser before the break, with Pierre Kabore going close on two occasions. After halftime, the Stallions continued to apply pressure but struggled to trouble the Algerian goal, registering their first shot on target only in the 82nd minute.
At the other end, Koffi was kept busy, making several good saves to deny Algeria as they looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
The win takes Algeria to the top of Group E with six points. Burkina Faso and Sudan are both on three points following Sudan’s 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, a result that confirmed Equatorial Guinea’s elimination.
All teams will play their final group matches on Wednesday, with Algeria facing Equatorial Guinea in Rabat and Burkina Faso taking on Sudan in Casablanca.
