Algeria and Burkina Faso square off at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan on Sunday evening with both sides looking to build on winning starts to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.
With victory likely to all but seal a place in the knockout stages, the Group clash carries high stakes. History suggests little will separate the two nations, with their last three meetings ending in draws.
Algeria announced their intentions in emphatic fashion on Matchday One, sweeping aside Sudan 3-0 to take early control of the group on goal difference. Captain Riyad Mahrez struck inside two minutes to set the tone before adding a second after the break, while Ibrahim Maza wrapped up a dominant display late on.
For head coach Vladimir Petkovic, the strong start offers hope of a deep run as the two-time champions seek to move past the frustrations of the last two AFCON editions, both of which ended in disappointing group-stage exits. Last crowned champions in 2019, the Desert Warriors are keen to reassert themselves among Africa’s elite.
Burkina Faso, however, arrive with momentum and belief of their own. The Stallions were involved in one of the most dramatic games of the tournament so far, staging a remarkable stoppage-time comeback to beat Equatorial Guinea despite enduring a nervy finish.
After conceding late against 10-man opponents, Burkina Faso appeared set for frustration before substitute Georgi Minoungou struck in the 95th minute. Just three minutes later, Edmond Tapsoba completed the turnaround, sealing a memorable victory that underlined their resilience.
The two sides are no strangers at AFCON. They shared a group at the 2023 tournament, playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw after Algeria scored deep into stoppage time. Sunday’s meeting will be their fourth at the finals, with the head-to-head perfectly balanced.
