Riyad Mahrez struck his third goal in two matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring from the penalty spot as Algeria beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in Rabat to reach the last 16.
The 2019 champions ended a run of two consecutive group-stage exits courtesy of Mahrez’s cool first-half strike, converting after Ismahila Ouedraogo’s clumsy challenge.
Former Manchester City winger Mahrez, who scored twice in Les Fennecs’ opening 3-0 win over Sudan, dispatched his effort low into the corner, leaving goalkeeper Herve Koffi rooted to the spot.
Burkina Faso responded positively, with Pierre Kabore twice threatening an equaliser before the interval.
The Stallions continued to press after the break but did not manage an attempt on target until the 82nd minute, while Koffi was often called into action at the other end, producing a string of fine saves to thwart Algeria’s rapid counter-attacks.
The result leaves the North Africans top of Group E on six points, with Burkina Faso and Sudan tied on three points after the Falcons of Jediane’s 1-0 win over Equatorial Guineaearlier on Sunday – a result that means the Equatoguineans are eliminated.
All four teams will play their final group-stage games on Wednesday (16:00 GMT), when Algeria take on Equatorial Guinea in Rabat and Burkina Faso meet Sudan in Casablanca.
Zidane on the pitch and in the stands
Even at the age of 34, Mahrez’s big-game pedigree continues to drive Algeria forward.
His leadership and composure remain invaluable for Les Fennecs, as does his ability to deliver in crucial moments for a side that has struggled to find consistency in recent tournaments.
How long he can continue to roll back the years once tougher opposition present themselves remains to be seen.
While Mahrez was playing a key role on the pitch, another mesmeric forward with a magic left foot was watching in the stands, with Zinedine Zidane present to see his son Luca keep another clean sheet, having declared for Algeria in September.
The 27-year-old dealt confidently with Burkina Faso’s late aerial bombardment and long-range efforts, ensuring his side’s narrow lead remained intact following Mahrez’s penalty in the 23rd minute.
Kabore and Georgi Minoungou both squandered promising openings in the first half, while Lassina Traore’s tame header and Edmond Tapsoba’s late effort wide of the target summed up the Stallions’ lack of cutting edge.
Ultimately, Algeria’s defensive resilience and Mahrez’s experience proved the difference.
Securing qualification with a game to spare is likely to restore confidence among coach Vladimir Petkovic’s players, placing Algeria among the tournament’s early pace-setters alongside Egypt and Nigeria.
