After impressive opening victories, Algeria and Burkina Faso are set to clash in a high-stakes showdown at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan on Sunday evening.

With a knockout spot nearly within reach, both teams know victory is crucial. Their last three meetings ended in draws, setting the stage for another tense, edge-of-your-seat battle.

Algeria started their AFCON campaign with a 3-0 win over Sudan to take early control.

Riyad Mahrez wasted no time, striking in the second minute and then again after halftime. Ibrahim Maza sealed the deal late on, capping a commanding display from Vladimir Petkovic’s side.

The two-time African champions, last crowned in 2019, are eager to erase the sting of recent early exits and reclaim their place among the continent’s elite.

At the 2023 AFCON, Burkina Faso and Algeria faced off in the group stage, drawing 2-2 in the second game, with Algeria scoring in stoppage time.

Sunday is the fourth AFCON match between the two nations. In 1996, the Desert Warriors won, in 1998, the Stallions won, and in the most recent match.

Burkina Faso suffered heartbreak in their last meeting with Algeria, but now they arrive buoyed by a thrilling opening triumph.

Frustration seemed inevitable when the Stallions conceded late against Equatorial Guinea, their dominance suddenly in jeopardy.

But in a breathtaking twist, substitute Georgi Minoungou leveled the score in the 95th minute, and Edmond Tapsoba struck three minutes later to seal a stunning comeback and secure all three That dramatic victory has given Brama Traore’s squad a strong foothold, and overcoming their fiercest group rivals would propel them closer to a coveted spot beyond the round of 16.nd of 16.