The highlight of the AFCON 2025 group stage continues tonight, Sunday, December 28, 2025, as the "Desert Foxes" of Algeria take on the "Stallions" of Burkina Faso. Kick-off is set for 17:30 GMT at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Both teams secured victories in their opening matches, meaning the winner of this clash will almost certainly guarantee a spot in the Round of 16 and take a massive step toward finishing top of Group E.
Matchday 1 Recap: Clinical vs. Dramatic
Algeria 3–0 Sudan
Algeria delivered arguably the most dominant performance of the opening round. Captain Riyad Mahrez rolled back the years with a clinical brace, while young star Ibrahim Maza added a third to mark Algeria's 100th goal in AFCON history. Vladimir Petković’s side looked balanced and disciplined, finally shaking off the ghosts of their early exits in the previous two tournaments.
Burkina Faso 2–1 Equatorial Guinea
The Stallions provided the drama of the tournament so far. Trailing 1–0 in the 85th minute, they staged a miraculous comeback in stoppage time. Georgi Minoungou equalized in the 95th minute before defensive leader Edmond Tapsoba rose highest to head home a 98th-minute winner. It was a win that highlighted the immense character and "never say die" attitude of Brama Traoré’s squad.
Head-to-Head: The "Draw Specialists"
This fixture has become one of the most evenly matched rivalries in African football.
Recent History: The last three meetings between these two have all ended in draws (2–2, 2–2, and 1–1).
Overall Record: In 19 previous meetings, both sides have exactly 6 wins each, with 7 draws.
AFCON Context: They last met in the 2023 group stage, a thrilling 2–2 draw where Algeria needed a 95th-minute equalizer from Baghdad Bounedjah.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Algeria Team News
Coach Petković is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation that dismantled Sudan. The big story remains Luca Zidane (son of Zinedine) retaining his spot in goal after a solid debut.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bennacer; Mahrez, Chaibi, Amoura; Bounedjah.
Burkina Faso Team News
The Stallions have a clean bill of health, though there are questions about whether Matchday 1 hero Georgi Minoungou has earned a starting spot over Pierre Kaboré.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Sangare, Ouedraogo, Blati Toure; Traore, Minoungou, Ouattara.
Tactical Breakdown: Technical Grace vs. Athletic Power
Algeria’s Control
Algeria thrives on possession and technical superiority. Ismaël Bennacer and Hicham Boudaoui provide a world-class engine room that allows Riyad Mahrez to drift inside and create overloads. Their goal will be to tire the Stallions out through sustained passing and then use the pace of Mohamed Amoura to exploit the channels.
Burkina Faso’s Transition
Burkina Faso is built for the counter-attack. With Dango Ouattara and Bertrand Traoré on the wings, they possess elite speed and 1v1 ability. They will likely sit in a compact block and wait for Algeria to overcommit, relying on Edmond Tapsoba’s long-range passing to launch immediate vertical attacks.
Match Prediction
History suggests a draw, but Algeria currently looks more settled and clinical than they have in years. Burkina Faso’s defensive lapses against Equatorial Guinea might be punished more severely by the likes of Mahrez and Bounedjah. However, the Stallions’ resilience makes them impossible to count out.
Final Score Prediction: Algeria 2–1 Burkina Faso
