By

Eniola Olatinji

 

Veteran winger Riyad Mahrez struck a decisive first-half penalty to steer Algeria to the top of Group E with a hard-fought victory over Burkina Faso on Sunday.

 

Mahrez, who features for Al-Ahli at club level, calmly converted from the spot in the 23rd minute to claim his third goal of the tournament. The experienced attacker controlled proceedings before being substituted after 61 minutes, making way for utility player Belaïd Zineddine, the son of former France captain Zinedine Zidane, as Algeria managed the closing stages.

 

The tightly contested encounter underlined Algeria’s growing authority in the group, as they maintained a perfect defensive record and collected maximum points from their opening two matches.

 

Elsewhere in Group E, drama unfolded as an unfortunate own goal by Saúl “Coco” of Equatorial Guinea in the 74th minute against a resilient Sudan side sealed Equatorial Guinea’s exit from the tournament. Sudan, still rebuilding after recent challenges, capitalized on the moment to keep their qualification hopes alive.

 

After two rounds of matches, Algeria sit comfortably atop the group with six points, four goals scored and none conceded. Burkina Faso’s Stallions are second with three points, having scored twice and conceded two. Sudan are third, also on three points, with one goal scored and three conceded, while Equatorial Guinea remain bottom without a point, having scored once and conceded three.

 

The final Group E fixtures will be played simultaneously at 5:00 pm on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Equatorial Guinea face group leaders Algeria, while Sudan meet Burkina Faso in a decisive clash that will determine the remaining knockout place.

 

Attention now turns to other groups on Monday, with Group matches kicking off at 5:00 pm. Zimbabwe renew a familiar rivalry against Bafana Bafana of South Africa, while Angola line up against the Pharaohs of Egypt. Later at 8:00 pm, hosts Morocco will be hoping to overcome a desperate Zambia as Group A reaches its conclusion, with already eliminated Comoros playing for pride against the Eagles of Mali at the same time.