Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Match Preview
A heavyweight clash for supremacy in Group E takes place at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan on Sunday, 28 December 2025. Both nations opened their campaigns with victories on Christmas Eve: Algeria cruised past Sudan 3–0 thanks to a Riyad Mahrez masterclass, while Burkina Faso needed stoppage-time heroics to edge Equatorial Guinea 2–1. The winner of this tie will effectively secure their spot in the Round of 16 as group winners. With identical points but Algeria leading on goal difference, the Fennecs will look to assert dominance, while the Stallions aim to prove their resilience once again against a familiar foe.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Match Info
- Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group E – Matchday 2)
- Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Hassan, Rabat (Capacity: 22,000)
- Date: Sunday, 28 December 2025
- Kickoff: 17:30 GMT | 18:30 CET | 20:30 AST (Saudi)
- Referee: TBC (CAF Appointment)
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Match Stakes
Algeria (1st — 3 pts):
- Win → Moves to 6 pts; guarantees qualification and likely secures top spot
- Draw → Keeps them top on goal difference; a solid result against their toughest group rival
- Loss → Drops to 2nd; complicates the final matchday against Equatorial Guinea
Burkina Faso (2nd — 3 pts):
- Win → Moves to 6 pts; takes control of the group and makes a huge statement
- Draw → Keeps them unbeaten; leaves everything to play for in the final game vs Sudan
- Loss → Stalls momentum; likely forces them to settle for 2nd place
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Team News
Algeria:
- Mahrez R. — Available (Scored a brace vs Sudan; in peak form)
- Bounedjah B. — Available (Provided assist in opener)
- Maza I. — Available (Scored off the bench; pushing for a start)
- Bennacer I. — Available (Controlled midfield vs Sudan)
- No fresh injuries reported: Manager Vladimir Petković likely to stick with the winning formula.
Burkina Faso:
- Traore B. — Available (Captain & Leader)
- Tapsoba E. — Available (Scored 90+8′ winner vs Eq. Guinea)
- Ouattara D. — Available (Provided crucial assist)
- Minoungou G. — Questionable (Knock after scoring late winner)
- Selection Headache: Brama Traoré must decide whether to start Minoungou after his heroics or stick with the more experienced forwards.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Algeria
- 24/12 — 3–0 vs Sudan (AFCON)
- 12/12 — 1–2 vs UAE (Arab Cup)
- 09/12 — 2–0 vs Iraq (Arab Cup)
- 06/12 — 5–1 vs Bahrain (Arab Cup)
- 03/12 — 0–0 vs Sudan (Arab Cup)
Burkina Faso
- 24/12 — 2–1 vs Equatorial Guinea (AFCON)
- 18/11 — 3–0 vs Benin (Friendly)
- 15/11 — 3–2 vs Niger (Friendly)
- 13/10 — 3–1 vs Ethiopia (WC Qualifier)
- 08/10 — 1–0 vs Sierra Leone (WC Qualifier)
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 20/01/2024 — Algeria 2–2 Burkina Faso (AFCON)
- 16/11/2021 — Algeria 2–2 Burkina Faso (WC Qualifier)
- 08/09/2021 — Burkina Faso 1–1 Algeria (WC Qualifier)
- 19/11/2013 — Algeria 1–0 Burkina Faso (WC Qualifier)
- 12/10/2013 — Burkina Faso 3–2 Algeria (WC Qualifier)
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Algeria (4-3-3)
Mandrea; Atal, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Bennacer, Aouar, Chaibi; Mahrez, Bounedjah, Amoura
Burkina Faso (4-2-3-1)
Koffi; Kabore, Tapsoba, Dayo, Yago; Touré, Sangaré; Ouattara, Aziz Ki, B. Traore; L. Traore
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Impact Bench
Algeria: Maza (Goal threat), Gouiri (Technical skill)
Burkina Faso: Minoungou (Super sub), Badolo (Midfield energy)
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Tactical Analysis
Algeria
The Fennecs looked revitalized in their opener, playing with pace and precision. Riyad Mahrez drifting inside from the right is their primary weapon, but the overlapping runs of Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left add another dimension. Against Burkina Faso, they must be wary of counter-attacks; their high defensive line could be exploited by Dango Ouattara’s speed.
Burkina Faso
The Stallions never say die, as proven by their stoppage-time turnaround against Equatorial Guinea. They are physically robust and dangerous from set-pieces, with Edmond Tapsoba a massive aerial threat. They will likely sit deeper than Sudan did, looking to frustrate Algeria and release Bertrand Traore or Ouattara into space. Their recent H2H record (three consecutive draws) suggests they know exactly how to handle Algeria.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Key Battles
- Mahrez vs Yago — Algeria’s star vs experienced left-back
- Bounedjah vs Tapsoba — physical battle in the box
- Bennacer vs Touré — fight for midfield control
- Ouattara vs Ait-Nouri — speed vs speed on the flank
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Spotlight Players
Algeria — Riyad Mahrez
The captain silenced doubters with a brilliant brace in the opener. Now 34, his experience and composure are vital. If he finds space, Algeria wins.
Burkina Faso — Edmond Tapsoba
The Bayer Leverkusen defender is the rock of this team. Not only must he stop Bounedjah, but his goal-scoring threat (as seen in the last match) makes him a unique weapon for the Stallions.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Prediction
Algeria 2–2 Burkina Faso
History loves to repeat itself. These two sides have drawn their last three competitive meetings, often in high-scoring thrillers. Algeria have the superior attack, but Burkina Faso’s resilience and set-piece threat are undeniable. Expect an entertaining draw that keeps both sides happy atop Group E.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES (High value given H2H)
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Draw — Value Bet
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — Where to Watch
- Global: beIN Sports
- Algeria: EPTV
- Africa: Canal+ Afrique / SuperSport
Algeria vs Burkina Faso — FAQs
Q: When is the Algeria vs Burkina Faso match?
A: The match kicks off on Sunday, 28 December 2025, at 17:30 GMT.
Q: Who won the last time they met?
A: They drew 2–2 in the group stages of AFCON 2023 (played in 2024).
Q: Is Riyad Mahrez still playing?
A: Yes, he is the captain and scored two goals in the opening match against Sudan.
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