Algeria will face Burkina Faso in a crucial CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier on December 28, 2025. The match will take place at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, kicking off at 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT). Both teams are eager to secure a second consecutive win to enhance their chances of advancing to the Round of 16.
Historic Rivalry in AFCON
This encounter marks the fourth meeting between Algeria and Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Their previous clashes occurred in 1996, 1998, and the last edition in 2023. Each team is historically matched, each winning once and drawing once across their three AFCON meetings.
Pivotal Past Encounters
- 1996, Group B: Algeria 2 – Burkina Faso 1
- 1998, Group A: Burkina Faso 2 – Algeria 1
- 2023, Group D: Algeria 2 – Burkina Faso 2
The 1996 match saw Algeria clinch victory with goals from Khaled Lounici and Billel Dziri. In contrast, Burkina Faso triumphed in 1998, with Kassoum Ouédraogo converting a penalty and Seydou Traoré scoring shortly after. The last meeting ended in a dramatic draw, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.
Current Form and Statistics
In their latest matches, Algeria opened their AFCON campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory against Sudan. This was their first opening win since 2019. Riyad Mahrez starred in that match, scoring twice and making history as Algeria’s all-time leading scorer in AFCON.
- Key Stats for Algeria:
- First AFCON opening win since 2019.
- Riyad Mahrez has eight AFCON goals to his name.
- Baghdad Bounedjah has contributed seven goals during AFCON tournaments.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso started their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Equatorial Guinea. This win marked a milestone, as it was their first time recovering from a deficit in an AFCON group stage match.
- Key Stats for Burkina Faso:
- First group stage comeback win in AFCON history.
- Recorded 67% possession against Equatorial Guinea.
- Georgi Minoungou and Edmond Tapsoba scored their first AFCON goals.
Implications of the Match
With both teams seeking to establish dominance, this match will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their campaigns in the tournament. A win for either side could significantly enhance their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
The Algeria vs Burkina Faso match promises to be an exciting clash, showcasing the intensity of the AFCON tournament and the rich history between these two nations.
