Africa Cup Of Nations | Sunday December 28 | Group E
- Algeria 1-0 Burkina Faso
- Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Sudan
Riyad Mahrez has a habit of answering when Algeria need him most. On a tense night in Morocco, the captain’s coolly taken penalty carried the Desert Foxes into the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, a narrow 1–0 win over Burkina Faso sealing qualification and top spot in Group E.
The match was rugged from the start, full of heavy challenges and little rhythm. Algeria were forced into an early change when Juan Hadjam was injured in a crunching tackle, Baghdad Bounedjah coming on after just 13 minutes. Still, they stayed patient, waiting for their moment.
It arrived midway through the first half when Rayan Aït-Nouri was bundled over in the box. Mahrez stepped up, paused, and rolled the ball home with the calm that has defined his career. It was enough.
Algeria had chances to make the game safe. Mohamed Amoura was denied from close range after a neat exchange with Mahrez, while after the break Ibrahim Maza and Aït-Nouri both tested goalkeeper Kouakou Koffi, who kept Burkina Faso alive with a string of saves.
Burkina Faso threw men forward late on, Georgi Minoungou curling one effort just wide, but Algeria’s defence stood firm.
The final whistle confirmed two wins from two, six points, and early passage to the last 16. Their final group match, against already-eliminated Equatorial Guinea on New Year’s Eve, now carries little pressure.
While Algeria celebrated, earlier drama in Casablanca reshaped the group. Sudan edged Equatorial Guinea 1–0 in a game decided by a single, cruel moment.
In the 74th minute, a dangerous cross forced defender Saúl Coco into a hurried clearance that ended in his own net, a blow from which Equatorial Guinea could not recover.
Sudan earned their fortune through grit. After a heavy opening defeat, they defended with heart and discipline, absorbing waves of pressure.
Goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid led the resistance, organising his back line and refusing to yield until luck finally turned their way.
The win was Sudan’s first over Equatorial Guinea and their first at the finals since 2012. Beyond the points, it carried deep meaning for a side playing against the backdrop of hardship at home.
It leaves them level with Burkina Faso and sets up a decisive New Year’s Eve meeting, winner taking a place in the knockout rounds.
Group E action will conclude on Wednesday December 31 as Burkina Faso takes on Sudan while Algeria face Equatorial Guinea, both matches at 19:00 EAT
