AFCON 2023: Another draw against Stallions of Burkina Faso puts Desert Foxes of Algeria on brink

Posted : 21 January 2024

The Desert Foxes of Algeria secured an unexpected result at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D'Ivoire as the Stallions of Burkina Faso had their streak of 15 consecutive AFCON wins broken at the Bouake Stadium in Ivory Coast during their second Group D encounter, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Although the Desert Foxes of Algeria have yet to lose to any African opponent in 21 matches, the unwanted draw may jeopardize their aspirations for the knockout stage.

Akhmat Grozny player from Russia, Mohammed Konate, made an impact in the 45+3rd minute when he received a lob from the left flank and scored with a flying header. The center referee initially ruled it offside, but VAR confirmed the goal as Konate was onside.

Baghdad Bounedjah, a key player from Qatar’s Al Sadd, who had scored against Angola in the first round in their 1-1 draw, seized an opportunity in a goalmouth scramble to beat the Burkinabe goalkeeper, leveling the score at the 55th minute.

It seemed like Burkina Faso was playing at home, as the support was enormous. A shout-out from the 33,000 fans at the stadium for that match overwhelmed the referee, who had initially allowed play to continue despite a careless defensive error by an Algerian defender at the 68th minute.

AFCON 2023: Burkina Faso give up lead twice against Algeria in 2-2 clash

After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Burkina Faso, which was neatly converted into a goal by Aston Villa’s Bertrand Traore, making it 2-1 to Burkina Faso. Traore had also scored against Mauritania in their first group match.

Despite Burkina Faso relaxing, Ounas delivered a pass to Baghdad in the 90+5th minute. When he pulled off his shirt in celebration of the coveted equalizer, he was later cautioned by the referee, who showed him a yellow card for the offense.

Temporarily, Burkina Faso leads the group with 4 points, scoring 3 goals and conceding 2. Algeria holds 2 points from two draws, scoring 3 goals and conceding 3, placing them in 2nd position. Angola is in 3rd place with 1 point, one goal scored, and one goal conceded, while Mauritania is at the bottom with no points, no goals scored, and one goal conceded.

Algeria and Burkina Faso have faced each other four times, all in World Cup qualifier matches.

AFCON 2023: Another draw against Stallions of Burkina Faso puts Desert Foxes of Algeria on brink

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