Algeria 2-2 Burkina Faso (Jan 20, 2024) Game Analysis

Algeria scored an added-time equaliser in an thrilling 2-2 draw with Burkina Faso in Group D in Bouake that spared the 2019 champions one more disappointing consequence on the match.

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Baghdad Bounedjah netted from a nook 5 minutes into added time on the finish to make sure a share of the spoils and deny Burkina Faso early progress to the subsequent stage.

Bounedjah scored each Algeria’s objectives whereas Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore netted for the Burkinabe, who stay prime of the group on 4 factors to 2 for Algeria.

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Burkina Faso got here desperately near a smash-and-grab victory that will have seen them via to the spherical of 16 with a assured prime two end. They had been below stress for a lot of the match however had two VAR selections go of their favour.

Algeria did not take their first-half alternatives, with Youcef Belaïli wasteful as Burkinabe goalkeeper Hervé Koffi appeared nervous and twice cleared balls straight to the Algerians and was lucky they did couldn’t end.

Almost inevitably, Burkina scored with a uncommon assault in added time on the finish of the first-half as an extended ball from Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba went over the Algerian defence and was headed homed by a leaping Konate. The whistle was instantly blown for offside, however a VAR examine went in Konate’s favour.

Algeria equalised within the 51st minute when a free kick was partially blocked and fell for Nabil Bentaleb, whose shot was parried by the goalkeeper right down to the ft of Bounedjah, who recovered shortly to brush the ball in from shut vary.

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

It was one other VAR examine that went Burkina’s approach, revealing a wild deal with by Rayan Ait Nouri on Issa Kaboré. The referee had not given the kick however replays confirmed Ait Nouri had missed the ball as he tried to clear and caught Kabore on the shin.

A nook late within the recreation delivered aid for Algeria as Bounedjah leaped as much as head residence from the set piece.

“I have confidence in my players, they came back with the same determination, what we are missing is being more killer [instinct],” stated Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi afterwards.

Algeria had been Cup of Nations winners in 2019 however made a horror defence of their title in Cameroon two years in the past, the place they went residence with a single level and in final place of their group and confronted an analogous state of affairs once more after drawing their opening recreation in opposition to Angola.