Mahrez Penalty Sends Algeria Into AFCON Last 16

Riyad Mahrez scored from the penalty spot as Algeria beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in Rabat to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations last 16. The 2019 champions ended two straight group-stage exits thanks to Mahrez’s calm first-half finish after Ismahila Ouedraogo’s foul.

Burkina Faso pushed back, with Pierre Kabore twice close before the break, and kept pressing after halftime. Algeria threatened on the counter, forcing Herve Koffi into several saves. The result keeps Algeria top of Group E on six points. Burkina Faso and Sudan have three each, while Equatorial Guinea are out. Final games are Wednesday evening fixtures.