Algeria struck late in the second half to rescue a point in their 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso on Saturday afternoon.
Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Algeria 2-2 Burkina Faso
Date: 20 January 2024
Venue: Stade de Bouaké
The Desert Foxes made two changes following their draw against Angola in their opener, both in attack, as Sofiane Feghouli and Ramiz Zerrouki were recalled.
South African referee Abongile Tom officiated the game.
Algeria had a bright start as Youcef Belaili almost opened the scoring on 12 minutes with a strike on the edge of the box that produced a good reflexes from goalkeeper Herve Koffi.
The game opened up and Baghdad Bounedjah had a big chance for the North African side shortly before the half-hour mark after a mistake at the back led to him going through on goal but he curled his shot just wide.
With the game still there for the taking, Mohamed Konate eventually broke the deadlock for Burkina Faso, with a free header after a deep run in the box.
Algeria had perfect start in the second stanza as Bounedjah levelled matters six minutes from the break with a strike from a rebound in the box.
Hubert Velud made a tactical and attacking change on 64 minutes, as he eventually brought on Aston Villa attacker Bertrand Traore in place Konate.
Traore made an immediate impact, as he restored the lead for the Stallions four minutes later with a strike from the penalty spot after a foul in the box was spotted via the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Djamel Belmadi did not require Riyad Mahrez in the last 15 minutes, as he brought on the fresh legs of Adam Ounas.
The Desert Foxes pressurized Burkina Faso in the dying minutes and Bounedjah equalised again and completed his brace deep in stoppage time with a towering header in the box.
Algeria picked up their second point in Group D while the Stallions collected their fourth point after two rounds of matches.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!
