In a match filled with excitement and drama, Algeria and Burkina Faso ended their second TotalEnergies Group D match with a 2-2 draw, leaving both teams to share the points. The game, held on Saturday afternoon, was crucial for Algeria after their draw against Angola in their opening match.
The first half of the match was evenly balanced, but it was Burkina Faso who broke the deadlock just before the halftime whistle. Mohamed Konate’s stunning header gave the Stallions the lead, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Algeria returned from the break with determination, and Baghdad Bounedjah quickly equalized in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up. The momentum seemed to shift towards Algeria, who dominated the game but failed to convert their numerous chances. This inability to capitalize was costly as Burkina Faso regained their lead in the 71st minute through a penalty converted by Bertrand Traore.
The drama intensified as the match neared its end, with Algeria pushing for an equalizer and Burkina Faso looking to secure their lead through counter-attacks. In a climactic turn of events, Bounedjah emerged as Algeria’s hero, scoring a brace in the dying seconds of the match to restore parity. His effort to rise above his markers and find the net ensured Algeria remained in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
The group’s final match will see Algeria facing Mauritania on Tuesday, while Burkina Faso, the group leaders, will take on Angola. The result of these matches will determine the final standings in the group and the teams that advance to the next stage of the competition.
