Soccer-Mahrez sends Algeria into Africa Cup of Nations last-16

Soccer Football - CAF Africa Cup of Nations - Morocco 2025 - Group C - Algeria v Burkina Faso - Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco - December 28, 2025 Algeria's Ibrahim Maza in action with Burkina Faso's Steeve Yago REUTERS/Stringer

RABAT, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Riyad ‌Mahrez scored a first half penalty as Algeria sealed their ‌place in the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup ‌of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their Group E clash in Rabat on Sunday.

Algeria have six points and will win the group as they ‍cannot be overhauled by either Burkina Faso (3 ‍points) or Sudan (3) following the ‌third round of fixtures in the pool due to the head-to-head rule.