In the Group clash at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, played on December  2025, at the Prince Moulay El  in Rabat, Algeria’s captain Riyad Mahrez proved decisive once again.

Around the rd minute, Manchester City’s full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri drove into the Burkina Faso penalty area and was brought down by defender Ismahila Ouédraogo. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation.

Mahrez, the former Manchester City winger, stepped up calmly. With his trademark composure, he sent Burkina Faso goalkeeper Hervé Koffi the wrong way, slotting the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 1-0. This was his third goal in two matches at the tournament (having scored twice in Algeria’s opening 3-0 win over Sudan), extending his record as Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at the with nine goals.

The goal proved to be the winner, as Algeria held on for a 1-0 victory despite late pressure from Burkina Faso (including a header off the post and several counters thwarted by goalkeeper Hervé Koffi). The result secured Algeria’s place in the round of 16 with a game to spare, topping Group E with six points and a clean sheet in both matches.
Mahrez’s clinical finish highlighted his enduring class on the big stage, driving the Desert Foxes forward as one of the tournament favorites.