Riyad Mahrez’s penalty gave Algeria a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, confirming their place as Group E winners in the Africa Cup of Nations
ALGERIA secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Sunday.
Captain Riyad Mahrez converted a first-half penalty to decide the bruising Group E contest at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
The win gives Algeria a maximum six points from two games without conceding a goal.
Vladimir Petkovic’s side are now confirmed as Group E winners with one match remaining.
Algeria will play their last-16 tie in Rabat on January 6 regardless of their final group result.
“We were expecting a very tough match,” said Algeria’s man of the match Ibrahim Maza.
“The most important thing is that we won the game. Now we are qualified and that was the main goal.”
Maza added that his team prepared to match Burkina Faso’s physical approach.
Algeria’s penalty was awarded after Rayan Ait-Nouri was fouled inside the box.
Mahrez scored his third goal of the tournament from the spot in the 23rd minute.
The winger now has nine AFCON goals, an Algerian national record.
Burkina Faso’s Pierre Landry Kabore came close with a headed chance from a corner.
Algeria held on amid a boisterous atmosphere from a crowd of 18,522 fans.
France legend Zinedine Zidane attended to watch his son Luca play in goal for Algeria.
Burkina Faso and Sudan now have three points each ahead of their decisive final group match.
