Burkina Faso Holds Algeria In World Cup Qualifier

Reigning African champions Algeria stretched its unbeaten run after picking up a point away from home in the qualifiers for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso.

The Algerians came into the match with heaps of confidence after their opening day 8-0 thrashing of Djibouti and wanted to pick a successive win to get themselves firmly in the driver’s seat.

They threatened early in the 10th minute when Royad Mahrez’s teasing cross from the right evaded the target by inches with Islam Silimani arriving a few seconds late to try make a touch on goal.

But The Desert Foxes got themselves ahead after 17 minutes in sublime fashion. Youce Belaili won the ball deep in his team’s own half before sending Silimani through on the right with a lovely pass. The forward then cut back a cross into the box which Soufiane Feghouli tapped into an empty net.

They should have been 2-0 up seven minutes later, but Rami Bensebaini’s point blank header from a Mahrez freekick was well saved by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi. Burkina Faso had a chance in the 28th minute when Issa Kabore drifted into the box from the right, but he dragged his shot straight to the goalkeeper.

On the half hour mark, Algeria had a brilliant chance to extend its lead. Another precise pass from Belaili fell on Slimani who did well to sit one defender down, but his shot at goal from a tight angle was blocked by the keeper.

In the second half, Burkina Faso came with more speed and precision. They were patient in attack and that ultimately paid off after 64 minutes when Abdoul Tapsoba drew level.

Algeria should have retaken the lead after a counter in the 72nd minute when they defended a corner well. Mahrez picked the ball at the edge of the six yard box and checked on substitute Baghdad Bounedjah’s run, but the ball clipped the latter’s heels when he was through on goal.

• Read more: Nigeria remains on top after Cape Verde win

The home side attempted to increase the pressure on the North Africans, but their efforts came to nothing as the match finished 1-1.

Algeria tops Group A on four points, on goal difference to Burkina Faso. Niger (3 points) and Djibouti (0) follow in that order.

CAF FIFA World Cup qualification results

Burkina Faso 1-1 Algeria

Zambia 0-2 Tunisia

Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Mauritania

Cape Verde 1-2 Nigeria

Angola 0-1 Libya

Ethiopia 1-0 Zimbabwe

Congo 1-3 Senegal

Sudan 2-4 Guinea-Bissau

Tanzania 3-2 Madagascar

Chidi Nwoke/CAF.