AFCON 2023 ; Bounedjah secures Algeria hard - earned draw against Burkina Faso in an AFCON Group D clash

Ivory Coast, 

Saturday, 20 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Algeria kept their AFCON Knockouts qualification hopes alive after earning a last minute equalizer forcing a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso in an AFCON group D clash played on Saturday afternoon. 

Algeria failed to capitalize on numerous first half chances with Youcef Belaïli shots cleared by Burkinabe goalkeeper Hervé Koffi. 

Burkina Faso took their chance to score in added time of the first half after a long ball from Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba went over the Algerian defence and was headed homed by a leaping Konate. The whistle was immediately blown for offside, but a VAR check went in Konate's favour.

Algeria equalised in the 51st minute when a free kick was partially blocked and fell for Nabil Bentaleb, whose shot was parried by the goalkeeper down to the feet of Bounedjah, who recovered quickly to sweep the ball in from close range.

Burkina Faso's lead was restored from the penalty spot in 71st minute by substitute Traore, who had also netted a stoppage time penalty for a 1-0 win over Mauritania in their first Group D game.

Baghdad Bounedjah netted from a corner five minutes into added time at the end to ensure a share of the spoils and deny Burkina Faso early progress to the next stage.

However Burkinabe still lead group D with 4 points as Algeria follow second place with 2 points after two draws.