Algeria secured their place within the knockout levels of the Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought win over Burkina Faso in Rabat.
Captain Riyad Mahrez scored the one objective with a first-half penalty as Vladimir Petkovic’s facet made it two wins from two in Group E.
Burkina Faso had been unable to again up their opening victory over Equatorial Guinea however will nonetheless fancy their probabilities of advancing in a winner-takes-all conflict in opposition to Sudan on Wednesday.
Sangare let off however Mahrez punishes Burkina Faso
Algeria nearly shaded a quiet opening 20 minutes with probably the most noteworthy incident seeing Burkina Faso’s Gustavo Sangare proven a yellow card for a wild deal with. Referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea was referred to as to the display by the VAR to evaluation the incident, an act that usually ends in a dismissal, however Sangare was merely cautioned.
One other indiscretion by Burkina Faso noticed them fall behind after 23 minutes. Ismahila Ouedraogo was adjudged to have fouled Rayan Ait-Nouri inside the realm and Mahrez made no mistake from the spot, inserting his effort into the underside left-hand nook.
Burkina Faso responded nicely to going behind and Pierre Kabore virtually levelled issues after 28 minutes with a shot that flashed inches extensive up the left upright.
Kabore got here nearer quarter-hour later, heading in opposition to the put up with Bertrand Traore’s follow-up nicely blocked by the Algeria defence.
Algeria completed the primary half on the assault, although, and solely a superb save from Herve Koffi prevented Mohamed Amoura from making it 2-0.
Easy Koffi retains Burkina Faso alive
Koffi distinguished himself once more halfway via the second interval, denying Ibrahim Maza, who had discovered half a yard of house inside the realm.
Algeria had upped the tempo and Burkina Faso had been struggling to carry on. Hicham Boudaoui must have executed higher than head nicely extensive when nicely positioned and Koffi received down nicely to maintain out an Ait-Nouri effort.
Lassina Traore got here near an equaliser with a towering header that flew straight at Luca Zidane as Algeria closed the sport out with no additional alarms.
