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Algeria secured their place in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought victory against Burkina Faso in Rabat.
Captain Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the first half as Vladimir Petkovic’s side found success. two wins out of two in group E.
Burkina Faso were unable to confirm their opening victory against Equatorial Guinea, but they will still be keen to qualify in a winner-take-all clash against Sudan on Wednesday.
Sangaré lets go but Mahrez punishes Burkina Faso
Algeria almost overshadowed a quiet opening 20 minutes with the most notable incident, Burkina Faso Gustavo Sangare receiving a yellow card for a wild tackle. Referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea was called on screen by VAR to review the incident, an act which normally results in a sending off, but Sangare was simply cautioned.
Another indiscretion from Burkina Faso saw them fall behind after 23 minutes. Ismahila Ouedraogo was charged with fouling Rayan Ait-Nouri inside the box and Mahrez made no mistake from the spot, placing his effort into the bottom left corner.
Burkina Faso reacted well by falling behind and Pierre Kaboré almost equalized after 28 minutes with a shot that passed a few centimeters from the left post.
Kaboré came close 15 minutes later, with a header against the post, Bertrand Traoré’s restart being well blocked by the Algerian defense.
Algeria, however, finished the first half on the attack and only a brilliant save from Hervé Koffi prevented Mohamed Amoura from making it 2-0.
Smooth Koffi brings Burkina Faso to life
Koffi stood out again midway through the second half when he denied Ibrahim Maza, who had found half a meter of space inside the box.
Algeria picked up the pace and Burkina Faso struggled to keep up. Hicham Boudaoui should have done better than a wide header when he was well placed and Koffi was well placed to repel a shot from Ait-Nouri.
Lassina Traore almost equalized with a towering header that headed straight at Luca Zidane as Algeria finished the match without further alarm.
