Algeria snatches draw against Burkina Faso

They avoided the worst. Led twice, the Algerians managed to glean the point of the draw against Burkina Faso (2-2), Saturday January 20, in the stifling heat of the Bouaké stadium. A result obtained thanks to a header from a corner by Baghdad Bounedjah for his double in added time of the second half. Enough to allow the Fennecs to temporarily return to second place in Group D of this African Cup, pending the meeting between the Angolans and the Mauritanians (6 p.m.).

Before that, the Greens had been put under great pressure. A first time when Mohamed Konaté gave the advantage to the Burkinabés, with a header receiving a magnificent pancake from Abdoul Tapsoba (45th + 3, 1-0). Then a second when a foul by Rayan Aït-Nouri in his area allowed Bertrand Traoré to put the Etalons back in front on a penalty (71st, 2-1), while Baghdad Bounedjah had equalized after returning from the locker room (50th, 1-1 ).

Misstep prohibited against Mauritania

Held in check by Angola for their entry into the competition (1-1), Algeria was forced to react against the other favorite of the group. If it’s not a victory, this parity score scratched on the gong looks like a small liberation. The specter of another elimination in the first round of the CAN has not yet been completely ruled out, but a success against Mauritania on the last day should be enough for the Algerians to reach the round of 16, at least as the best thirds.