Group E's defining fixture arrives in Rabat. Algeria, oozing attacking menace after demolishing Sudan, face a Burkina Faso side built on defensive discipline and counter-attacking venom.
Algeria's attacking machine
Three goals, three different scorers. The Desert Foxes dismantled Sudan with clinical efficiency, demonstrating why they remain among Africa's elite. Riyad Mahrez, Said Benrahma, and Islam Slimani combined beautifully, creating overloads on both flanks that Sudan's defense couldn't handle.
Manager Vladimir Petkovic has refined Algeria's attacking patterns since taking charge. The transitions are quicker, the pressing higher, and the finishing more ruthless than recent tournaments suggested.
Expect Algeria to dominate possession and probe patiently for openings. Their preference for controlling games through territory could play into Burkina Faso's hands—if the Stallions remain disciplined.
Burkina Faso's counter-punching style
The Stallions don't need the ball to hurt you. Their 2-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea showcased classic counter-attacking football: defend deep, win possession, and release runners at speed.
Bertrand Traoré orchestrates much of their attacking play. The former Aston Villa winger has rediscovered form at international level, combining vision with direct running to devastating effect.
Kamou Malo's side won't be intimidated. They reached the AFCON 2021 semi-finals using exactly these methods and have eliminated higher-ranked opponents throughout their qualifying campaign.
The tactical chess match
Algeria will attempt to pin Burkina Faso in their own half. The question becomes whether the Stallions can withstand sustained pressure and then punish the inevitable gaps when Algeria commit bodies forward.
The full-back battle could prove decisive. Algeria's overlapping runs create chances but leave space in behind. Burkina Faso's wide players have the pace to exploit any defensive lapses.
Stakes and prediction
Victory guarantees first place; a draw suits both but hands advantage to Algeria on goal difference. Defeat for either significantly complicates qualification, particularly for Burkina Faso given their inferior goals tally.
Algeria's quality should ultimately tell. Algeria 2-1 Burkina Faso, though expect the Stallions to land at least one counter-punch.
Match details
- Kick-off: 18:30 CET
- Venue: Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
- Head-to-head: Algeria lead 3-2 in competitive meetings