By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with sabcnews.com
Published on 2024-01-20 19:20:08
Algeria managed to avoid defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations finals with a stoppage-time equaliser that resulted in a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso in Group D in Bouake. This draw ensured that the 2019 champions did not suffer a major setback at the tournament.
Baghdad Bounedjah scored both of Algeria’s goals, including a crucial one from a corner in stoppage time to secure a share of the spoils and deny Burkina Faso early progress to the next stage. Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore netted for Burkina Faso, who remain at the top of the group with four points, compared to Algeria’s two points.
Burkina Faso came close to securing a victory that would have taken them through to the last 16 with a guaranteed top-two finish. Despite being under pressure for much of the match, they were fortunate to have two VAR decisions go in their favor.
Algeria missed several opportunities in the first half, and Burkina Faso took the lead with a rare first-half goal. The whistle was immediately blown for offside, but a VAR check went in Burkina Faso’s favor, allowing the goal to stand.
Algeria managed to equalize in the 51st minute, but Burkina Faso took the lead again in the 71st minute with a penalty kick by Bertrand Traore.
A late corner delivered relief for Algeria as Bounedjah scored another crucial goal for his team.
Coach Djamel Belmadi expressed confidence in his players, noting that they need to be more aggressive in front of the goal.
Algeria, the winners of the 2019 Cup of Nations, had a disappointing performance in the previous tournament and faced a similar situation after drawing their opening game in the Ivory Coast against Angola.
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