AFCON: Algeria defeats Burkina Faso to stay perfect in Group E

Riyad Mahrez’s first half penalty kick helped Algeria remain the leaders of Group E at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso.

The captain made no mistake in the 23rd minute, after which Les Verts held on to make it two wins from two matches in Morocco. Mahrez converted his spot kick after left back Rayan Aït-Nouri was tripped up in the Burkinabe penalty area.

A clash between the two favorites to advance out of the group provided plenty of entertainmnent. While Algeria looked more dangerous in the first half, the Stallions created their fair share of danger. In an exciting finish to the opening 45 minutes, Pierre Kaboré’s header hit the post for Burkina Faso before goalkeeper Hervé Koffi did well to deny Algeria forward Mohamed Amoura in stoppage time.

But the North Africans took a firm hold on the match after halftime. Koffi was called into action on multiple occasions, with an excellent save on Ibrahim Maza in the 69th minute. The Burkinabe team attempted a late push but despite many attacking forays, the Algerian defense remained stubborn and the Stallions struggled to put their shot attempts on target as time ran out.

The group leaders will finish up against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday. Burkina Faso will battle for second place in their Group E finale against Sudan, with both teams level on three points.