Algeria secured their place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought win over Burkina Faso in Rabat.
Captain Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal with a first-half penalty as Vladimir Petkovic’s side made it two wins from two in Group E.
Burkina Faso were unable to back up their opening victory over Equatorial Guinea but will still fancy their chances of advancing in a winner-takes-all clash against Sudan on Wednesday.
Sangare let off but Mahrez punishes Burkina Faso
Algeria just about shaded a quiet opening 20 minutes with the most noteworthy incident seeing Burkina Faso’s Gustavo Sangare shown a yellow card for a wild tackle. Referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea was called to the screen by the VAR to review the incident, an act that normally results in a dismissal, but Sangare was merely cautioned.
Another indiscretion by Burkina Faso saw them fall behind after 23 minutes. Ismahila Ouedraogo was adjudged to have fouled Rayan Ait-Nouri inside the area and Mahrez made no mistake from the spot, placing his effort into the bottom left-hand corner.
Burkina Faso responded well to going behind and Pierre Kabore almost levelled matters after 28 minutes with a shot that flashed inches wide up the left upright.
Kabore came closer 15 minutes later, heading against the post with Bertrand Traore’s follow-up well blocked by the Algeria defence.
Algeria finished the first half on the attack, though, and only a brilliant save from Herve Koffi prevented Mohamed Amoura from making it 2-0.
Smooth Koffi keeps Burkina Faso alive
Koffi distinguished himself again midway through the second period, denying Ibrahim Maza, who had found half a yard of space inside the area.
Algeria had upped the tempo and Burkina Faso were struggling to hold on. Hicham Boudaoui ought to have done better than head well wide when well placed and Koffi got down well to keep out an Ait-Nouri effort.
Lassina Traore came close to an equaliser with a towering header that flew straight at Luca Zidane as Algeria closed the game out with no further alarms.