Already a double scorer against Sudan in the first match (3-0), the right winger from Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) scored again from a penalty, perfectly opening his left foot to deceive opposing goalkeeper Hervé Koffi. The striker, who came off on the hour mark, is currently the top scorer in the continental competition with three goals.
Thanks to its captain who could live out the last months of his international career, Algeria is therefore seeing the round of 16 of the CAN again, which it has not seen since its coronation in 2019, after premature eliminations during the group phase in 2021 and 2023. Despite an unconvincing match, the Fennecs secured first place in group E before their third match, Wednesday against Equatorial Guinea, and finally exit of this group stage.
Burkina-Sudan, decisive match
Vladimir Petkovic’s men had several opportunities to double the lead, when Mahrez served Mohamed Amoura on his left who did not open his foot enough (45th + 5), or on two attempts from Ibrahim Maza (67th and 69th). But they were not very effective and sometimes suffered from Burkina’s offensives.
In the goals, goalkeeper Luca Zidane was less visible than during the first match, under the eyes of his family including his father Zinedine. He was more messy in his restarts but only needed to make one save (90th + 2). He had another clean sheet, seeing a shot hit his right post (43rd), graze it (62nd, 90th + 1) or pass just above his crossbar (80th).
The only bad news for Algeria was the loss of defender Jaoue Hadjam, who was released following an ankle injury.
