Riyad Mahrez scored his third goal in two Africa Cup of Nations matches, converting a first-half penalty as Algeria beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in Rabat to reach the last 16. The 2019 champions ended two straight group-stage exits thanks to Mahrez’s cool finish after a clumsy challenge from Ismahila Ouedraogo.
Mahrez, who also scored twice in Algeria’s opening 3-0 win over Sudan, sent the ball low into the corner, leaving goalkeeper Herve Koffi with no chance. Burkina Faso threatened through Pierre Kabore before half-time and continued pressing after the break, but failed to hit the target until the 82nd minute. Koffi made several important saves to keep Algeria in control on the counter.
The win puts Algeria top of Group E with six points. Burkina Faso and Sudan sit on three points each, while Equatorial Guinea are eliminated after losing 1-0 to Sudan. All teams play their final group-stage games on Wednesday, with Algeria facing Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso taking on Sudan.
