Mahrez Penalty Secures Narrow Win for Desert Foxes
Key Takeaways
- Algeria edged Burkina Faso 1-0 in a tightly contested Africa Cup of Nations encounter.
- Riyad Mahrez converted a 23rd-minute penalty to provide the match's only goal at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan.
- Burkina Faso dominated statistics with 14 shots but managed just 2 on target in wasteful display.
- Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane made crucial saves to preserve clean sheet despite territorial pressure.
RABAT, MOROCCO — Algeria arrived at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan riding a wave of confidence, having won their last five matches, while Burkina Faso sought to halt their recent struggles against the Desert Foxes. In a match where statistics told one story and the scoreline another, Algeria secured a 1-0 victory that showcased their clinical efficiency against a Burkinabé side that dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge to convert territorial advantage into goals.
The decisive moment arrived in the 23rd minute when Riyad Mahrez stepped up to convert a penalty with his trademark left-footed precision, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner beyond the reach of Hervé Koffi. The spot-kick provided Algeria with the breakthrough they would defend resolutely for the remaining 67 minutes, absorbing pressure and relying on their experienced campaigners to see out the result.
The teams shared possession almost equally at 49.2%-50.8%, but the battle unfolded as a tactical chess match between Algeria's disciplined defensive structure and Burkina Faso's attacking ambition. Ramy Bensebaini and Aïssa Mandi anchored Algeria's backline with authority, while Edmond Tapsoba led Burkina Faso's efforts to find an equalizer. Luca Zidane proved crucial in goal for Algeria, making four saves including a spectacular stop from Lassina Traoré's header in the 83rd minute that preserved the slender advantage.
Despite 14 attempts, Burkina Faso managed just 2 on target, epitomizing their frustrating afternoon in front of goal. Dango Ouattara and Bertrand Traoré probed down the flanks, while Georgi Minoungou tested his luck from distance, but Algeria's defensive organization held firm. The physical nature of the encounter saw 24 fouls committed by Algeria and 19 by Burkina Faso, with five yellow cards distributed as tensions rose. Burkina Faso also won six corners to Algeria's two, yet couldn't capitalize on their set-piece opportunities.
The turning point came in the final 10 minutes when Burkina Faso threw everything forward in desperate search of an equalizer. Edmond Tapsoba, who received a yellow card in the 89th minute for a foul on Baghdad Bounedjah, pushed forward from defense as the Stallions committed numbers forward. Algeria's substitutions proved astute, with Ibrahim Maza and Baghdad Bounedjah combining effectively to relieve pressure through counter-attacking threats. Ismaël Bennacer controlled the midfield tempo, while Mohammed Amoura worked tirelessly before making way for Farès Chaïbi in the 88th minute.
The statistics told a different story, with Burkina Faso dominating possession and chances but Algeria taking all three points through their ruthless efficiency. Hervé Koffi made four saves in the Burkina Faso goal, denying efforts from Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ibrahim Maza, but couldn't prevent Mahrez's penalty from settling the contest. The match featured multiple stoppages for injuries, including delays for Samir Chergui and Bertrand Traoré, adding to the fragmented nature of the second half.
Looking ahead, Algeria travel to face Equatorial Guinea on December 31, seeking to build on this hard-fought victory and maintain their impressive winning streak.