Algeria and Burkina Faso both arrived for their second Group E fixture knowing that another victory would secure a place in the knockout rounds. At the Moulay Hassan Stadium, it was Riyad Mahrez who made the difference, as his first-half penalty proved decisive in a tight encounter that ended 1–0 in favour of the Desert Foxes and confirmed their passage to the Round of 16.
This match marked the fourth time the two nations had met at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, following previous clashes in 1996, 1998 and 2023. As with every prior AFCON meeting between them, this game was also played in the group stage. Across those three earlier encounters, each team had registered one win and one draw, with both sides scoring in every match.
The early stages were evenly contested, with both teams struggling to produce real danger in attack. Algeria controlled much of the possession but found it difficult to break down a disciplined Burkina Faso defence.
The key moment arrived in the 21st minute. Rayan Aït-Nouri burst down the left side and was brought down in the box by Ismahila Ouédraogo. Despite protests from the Burkinabé players, the referee pointed to the spot. Two minutes later, Mahrez stepped up confidently and sent goalkeeper Hervé Koffi the wrong way, coolly converting to put Algeria 1–0 ahead. The strike registered his ninth goal at AFCON tournaments.
Burkina Faso responded well and almost levelled in the 43rd minute. Pierre Landry Kaboré rose highest to meet a dangerous cross, but his header crashed against the post, taking a deflection off Ibrahim Maza on its way through. Just before the break, Algeria nearly doubled their advantage when Mahrez released Mohamed Amoura on the counter, only for Koffi to palm away the forward’s low effort.
Algeria maintained their attacking intent in the second half, but Burkina Faso continued to threaten on the break. Georgi Minoungou fired narrowly wide from distance in the 62nd minute, while at the other end Ibrahim Maza forced Koffi into another smart save. Hicham Boudaoui then saw a close-range header drift just wide as Algeria chased a second goal to settle the contest.
Burkina Faso refused to fade and pushed hard in the closing stages. Lassina Traoré went closest with a late header that was tipped over by Luca Zidane as the Algerian goalkeeper preserved his side’s slim advantage. Despite sustained pressure, the Stallions could not find an equaliser.
The result means Algeria secure back-to-back group-stage victories at AFCON 2025 and extend a competitive rivalry that has now reached 20 meetings in total, with both nations previously winning six times each and drawing seven.
Algeria will next face Equatorial Guinea, while Burkina Faso turn their attention to a crucial match against Sudan.
