Algeria books place in Africa Cup knockout stage as Zidane watches on

Rabat, Morocco — Dec 29, 2025 Algeria secured a place in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after edging Burkina Faso 1–0 in their Group E match on Sunday, a result that guarantees them progression with a game to spare.

Captain Riyad Mahrez scored the decisive goal in the first half, converting a penalty after Rayan Aït-Nouri was fouled inside the area. The Manchester City winger sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Algeria the lead, which they held for the remainder of the match.

The victory gives Algeria six points from two matches and ensures they will finish top of the group under head-to-head tiebreak rules, regardless of their final group fixture.

Former France captain Zinedine Zidane was among the spectators at the stadium, watching as his son Luca Zidane started in goal for Algeria. Luca Zidane made several saves to preserve the clean sheet as Burkina Faso pushed for an equaliser in the second half.

Algeria, champions in 2019, have now qualified for the last 16 after an unbeaten start to the tournament. They will face a runner-up from another group in the knockout round.

Elsewhere in the competition, defending champions Ivory Coast began their campaign with a narrow win, while Cameroon also recorded a victory in their opening group match as the tournament continued across Morocco.

The Africa Cup of Nations, featuring 24 teams, runs until January 18, 2026, with the knockout stage beginning later this week.

Read more sports news here.