Burkina Faso can secure their spot in the round of 16 with a win on Saturday afternoon against Algeria. The Desert Warriors, however, will look to bounce back after a disappointing stalemate in their opener. Desh Parthab previews.
AFCON 2023
Match 18 – Algeria v Burkina Faso
Saturday 20 January | 16:00
Burkina Faso have taken pole position in Group D, following a last-gasp winner against Mauritania. With Algeria playing out a draw against Angola during their AFCON opener, the pressure is certainly on the shoulders of the North African nation.
To Win Match
Algeria 7/10 | Draw 2/1 | Burkina Faso 42/10
Algeria enjoyed two-thirds of the ball throughout their clash with Angola, however, The Desert Warriors conceded a second-half penalty and had to settle for a point. To sum it up, it was a dominant yet toothless performance, with only one of their sixteen shots levied during the tie finding its way to the back of the net.
Looking ahead to this clash, I expect more of the same. Their star-studded squad, captained by former Manchester City man and multiple Premier League winner Riyad Mahrez, will want to get their campaign back on track.
Algeria boasts one of the most competitive midfield quartets at the tournament. The dynamic duo of Adam Ounas and Houssem Aouar will surely start this one, after being summoned from the bench in their previous clash.
A penalty dispatched with practically the last kick of the game saw Burkina Faso snatch all three points in their AFCON opener and take command of Group D. The question is, do they have the strength in depth to withstand the coming Algerian barrage?
Aston Villa hitman Bertrand Traore opened Les Stallions’ account at the tournament and will need to follow that up with another lively performance if his nation is to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition. The 28-year-old made a cameo appearance in the closing stages of the game and the move proved to be a stroke of brilliance by head coach, Hubert Velud.
The French tactician will surely have another ace up his sleeve as he prepares for a duel that could potentially seal progression. I think that ace is Dango Outtara. Despite picking up an ankle injury in Bournemouth’s 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur at the end of December, Ouattara has travelled to the Ivory Coast and I have a feeling he will have a part to play in this one.
Verdict: Algeria 7/10
Another defeat could mean an early exit for Algeria. The experience and quality of Djamel Belmadi’s squad should take them to the advanced stages of the competition. I think they will do everything in their power to ensure they get there, and it starts with victory in this one.
