Algeria are through. A cool first-half penalty from Riyad Mahrez decided a tight Group Stage match at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, as the Desert Foxes edged Burkina Faso 1-0 at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan. With two wins from two and a +4 goal difference, Algeria move into the Round of 16 and, just as importantly, rediscover the calm and control that was missing in their last two AFCON tournaments.

Mahrez delivers when it matters most

On nights like this, big players need big moments. Mahrez provided exactly that, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot in the 23rd minute. The goal was his third of the tournament, a sharp reminder of his class and nerve under pressure.

What stood out was not only the finish, but the mood it set. The captain’s composure helped steady Algeria in a game that had little margin for error. In a cagey contest, where one mistake could swing the whole story, Mahrez took control and wrote the headline.

“Mahrez looks calm, but that penalty was pressure. Captain stuff.”

A tight, tactical AFCON 2025 group battle

The scoreline tells the truth: this was a narrow game between two good teams who understood the stakes. Burkina Faso pressed in spells and stayed organized, trying to limit space between the lines. Algeria, after taking the lead, chose control over chaos. They kept their shape, cut out risk, and trusted their experience to see it through.

There were few clear chances either way, which makes the penalty moment even more decisive. In tournaments like AFCON, these tight matches often come down to calm heads and set pieces. Algeria had both. Burkina Faso did plenty right, too—one lapse, one tug, one late tackle in the box, and the entire balance changed.

Group picture: Algeria in command, Burkina Faso still in the race

The standings now reflect a strong start for Algeria: 2 played, 2 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, +4 goal difference, for 6 points. That’s not just safe passage. That’s form. It’s momentum. It’s a base for a deep run.

For Burkina Faso, there’s no need for panic. They sit on 3 points from two games with a 0 goal difference—a platform that keeps knockout hopes fully alive. With Sudan on 3 points and Equatorial Guinea on 0, the Stallions remain well placed to finish the job in their final group match.

• Algeria: 6 points (2W, 0D, 0L), +4 GD
• Burkina Faso: 3 points (1W, 0D, 1L), 0 GD
• Sudan: 3 points
• Equatorial Guinea: 0 points

“Burkina Faso were organized; one lapse and it’s punished. Can they find end product next time?”

From draw-draw to a statement win: lessons from recent meetings

These teams know each other well. Their last two meetings—on January 20, 2024 and November 16, 2021—both ended 2-2. Those were open, back-and-forth games with late drama. This one was different. Algeria tightened up, protected their box, and managed the final third with more care.

That’s a key sign of growth. Rather than chase a second goal and risk the counter, the Desert Foxes chose maturity. They protected what they had, trusted their structure, and kept a clean sheet. It won’t win style points, but it wins tournaments.

Why this win matters for Algeria

“Algeria have done it after failures at the last two tournaments” isn’t just a line—it’s the deeper context. The last two AFCON campaigns ended in disappointment. This time, the early signs look different. Two games, two wins, and no late collapses. They look composed and confident, anchored by leadership at both ends of the pitch.

Mahrez’s form is the headline, but the supporting act is just as important: defensive discipline, control in midfield, and a refusal to give away cheap chances. In a tournament often decided by fine margins, this blend of calm and quality is exactly what the Desert Foxes needed to rediscover.

“Two from two and a clean sheet—this feels different from the last AFCON.”

Burkina Faso: still very much alive

Burkina Faso can take heart. They stayed compact for long stretches and kept Algeria honest until the end. The path forward is clear: keep the structure, turn pressure into shots on target, and be sharper in the box. With three points in the bank and a balanced goal difference, their Round of 16 target is still in sight.

There’s no need to change identity. The Stallions are at their best when they’re tough to break down and quick to break out. One goal can swing a final group match—and few AFCON teams relish facing their intensity when the stakes rise.

What comes next at AFCON 2025

Algeria will finish the group stage aiming to lock up top spot and keep momentum rolling into the knockouts. The priority now is simple: stay healthy, stay focused, and keep the defensive standards high. In tournament football, rhythm matters as much as results. Right now, Algeria have both.

For Burkina Faso, the mission is to respond fast. A strong start in their next match, a bit more punch around the box, and the Round of 16 will be there for the taking. With the standings tight behind Algeria, one good performance should be enough.

Bottom line

Algeria did not dazzle; they didn’t need to. They did the smart thing, the winning thing: take the chance, close the door, and move on. A 1-0 win, a captain’s cool penalty, and a ticket to the knockout rounds—this is what tournament control looks like. For the Desert Foxes, the road ahead is open. For Burkina Faso, the journey isn’t over; it’s just sharper now. AFCON 2025 is a game of moments, and the next one could change everything again.