Algeria joined Egypt and Nigeria in the round of 16 at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Morocco with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso on Sunday, SportPremi Reports.
Riyad Mahrez’s first half penalty, his third goal of the tournament, proved to be the only difference in an entertaining clash at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The Desert Warriors move to the top of the standings with six points and advance to the next round of the competition, while Burkina Faso remain on three points.
First half: Mahrez penalty gives Algeria advantage
Both sides headed into the clash after opening day wins, as Algeria defeated Sudan and Burkina Faso overcame Equatorial Guinea in a dramatic encounter.
The Stallions were lucky not to be a man down early in the clash as Gustavo Sangare was issued a yellow card despite a VAR review for a dangerous foul.
Algeria were awarded a penalty after a foul by Ouedraogo and Riyad Mahrez stepped up to score his third goal of the AFCON tournament so far.
Mohammed Amoura was close to adding a second on the stroke of halftime, but his strike was saved by Herve Koffi as they took a one goal advantage into the break.
Second half: Algeria hold on to reach knockout
Algeria dominated proceedings in the second half as they looked to close out the game, while Burkina Faso were hoping to grab an equalizer.
Ibrahim Maza went close twice for the Desert Warriors, but blazed over at the first attempt and was denied by a brilliant Koffi save on the second try.
Algeria held on and sealed a 1-0 win to record their second win in as many matches in Morocco.
Players Ratings:
Algeria Players Ratings
- Zidane – 8.2/10
- Chergui – 6.5/10
- Mandi – 6.9/10
- Bansebaini – 7.9/10
- Hadjam – 6.7/10
- Boudaoui – 6.9/10
- Bennacer – 7.3/10
- Mahrez – 7.6/10
- Maza – 7.8/10
- Ait Nouri – 7.0/10
- Amoura – 7.1/10
Substitutes
- Bounedjah – 6.3/10
- Belghali – 7.0/10
- Belaid – 6.2/10
- Chaibi – N/A
- Abdelli – N/A
Burkina Faso Players Ratings
- Koffi – 7.4/10
- Kouassi – 7.5/10
- Tapsoba – 6.9/10
- Dayo – 7.0/10
- Yago – 7.0/10
- Zougrana – 6.1/10
- Ouedraogo – 6.7/10
- Sangare – 7.3/10
- Ouattara – 6.9/10
- Kabore – 6.1/19
- Traore – 7.0/10
Substitutes
- Minoungou – 5.9/10
- Traore – 6.2/10
- Simpore – 6.0/10
- Irie – 6.5/10
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Algeria 49% – 51% Burkina Faso
Total Shots: Algeria 10 – 14 Burkina Faso
Shots on target: Algeria 5 – 2 Burkina Faso
Pass Accuracy: Algeria 84% – 83% Burkina Faso
Corners: Algeria 2 – 6 Burkina Faso
What Next?
Algeria will be looking to seal top spot against Equatorial Guinea in their final match on Wednesday, while Burkina Faso will be hoping for a win to boost their knockout chances against Sudan.
