### Algeria's Strong Performance at AFCON 2025: Mahrez Leads the Charge Algeria has successfully advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a narrow 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso. This win, secured by a penalty from star player Riyad Mahrez, places Algeria at the top of Group E with six points from two matches. The team, which previously won the tournament in 2019, is demonstrating its status as a pre-tournament favorite. Meanwhile, in another match, Cameroon managed to hold defending champions Ivory Coast to a 1-1 draw, adding intrigue to the tournament's progression. *The results highlight Algeria's strong form and the competitive nature of the tournament as teams vie for advancement* [https://thetouchlinesports.com/afcon-mahrez-fires-algeria-into-last-16]. ### Breakdown of Algeria's AFCON Journey 1. **Match Against Burkina Faso**: - Algeria defeated Burkina Faso 1-0, with Mahrez scoring the only goal from a penalty in the 20th minute after a foul on Rayan Aït-Nouri [https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/12/29/afcon-2025-riyad-mahrez-penalty-sees-off-burkina-faso-to-send-algeria-through-to-knockout-stages]. - This victory secured Algeria's place in the last 16 of the tournament, maintaining their unbeaten record in the group stage [https://dainiknewslive.in/riyad-mahrez-scores-as-algeria-beat-burkina-faso-to-enter-africa-cup-of-nations-last-16]. 2. **Group E Standings**: - Algeria leads Group E with six points, having won both of their matches without conceding a goal [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/algeria-advance-to-afcon-last-16-cameroon-hold-ivory-coast]. - The team previously won their opening match against Sudan 3-0, with Mahrez scoring twice [https://www.adomonline.com/2025-afcon-mahrez-scores-twice-as-algeria-beat-10-man-sudan]. 3. **Other Group Matches**: - In a notable match, Cameroon drew with Ivory Coast 1-1, which adds to the competitive dynamics of the tournament [https://apnews.com/article/ivory-coast-cameroon-algeria-africa-cup-c57487e8d717da5d275bced11400bf7f]. - Sudan's earlier win against Equatorial Guinea has revived their chances of progression in the tournament [https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/12/29/afcon-2025-riyad-mahrez-penalty-sees-off-burkina-faso-to-send-algeria-through-to-knockout-stages]. ### Key Statistics and Performance Metrics - **Riyad Mahrez's Contributions**: - Mahrez has scored three goals in two matches, making him a key player for Algeria [https://www.stabroeknews.com/2025/12/25/sports/mahrez-at-the-double-as-algeria-outclass-10-man-sudan]. - His performance has solidified his position as one of the tournament's top scorers [https://batatv.com/2025/12/25/afcon-leading-top-scorers-so-far]. - **Algeria's Defensive Record**: - The team has not conceded any goals in their two matches, showcasing a strong defensive strategy [https://dainiknewslive.in/riyad-mahrez-scores-as-algeria-beat-burkina-faso-to-enter-africa-cup-of-nations-last-16]. ### Conclusion: Algeria's Path Forward in AFCON 2025 **Algeria's performance in the AFCON 2025 thus far has been impressive, with a strong showing in both matches leading to their advancement to the knockout stage.** 1. **Victories**: They have won both matches, demonstrating both offensive and defensive prowess. 2. **Key Player**: Riyad Mahrez has emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly to the team's success. 3. **Next Steps**: As they move into the knockout rounds, Algeria will aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their current form. *The upcoming matches will be crucial as Algeria seeks to reclaim the AFCON title* [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/algeria-advance-to-afcon-last-16-cameroon-hold-ivory-coast].