AFCON 2025: Algeria vs Burkina Faso preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

With three points already on the board, victory here would put either nation in a commanding position to reach the knockout stages. 

Algeria could hardly have asked for a better start to the tournament after sweeping aside Sudan with a convincing 3-0 win. 

Riyad Mahrez wasted no time in making his mark, scoring inside the opening minutes before adding a second shortly after the interval. 

Youngster Ibrahim Maza then rounded off an impressive display late on, as the Desert Warriors underlined their attacking depth and control.

Champions of Africa in 2019, the North Africans are determined to reassert themselves on the continental stage after recent AFCON disappointments.

Burkina Faso, however, represents a familiar and stubborn obstacle. The two sides were grouped together at the 2023 AFCON, when their meeting produced a dramatic 2-2 draw after late drama. 

That result was consistent with a rivalry that has rarely been one-sided, and Sunday’s clash will be their fourth meeting at AFCON finals. Each team has one tournament win to their name, while the most recent encounter ended level.

The Stallions arrive full of belief after a dramatic opening victory over Equatorial Guinea. Reduced to 10 men midway through the contest and seemingly heading for defeat after conceding late on, Burkina Faso produced a stunning turnaround. 

Georgi Minoungou struck in the 95th minute before Edmond Tapsoba completed the comeback moments later, sealing an unforgettable 2-1 win.

Do not forget to check out our daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY.

Burkina Faso are no strangers to the Desert Warriors, having shared a group at the 2023 AFCON. That clash ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw after Algeria scored deep into stoppage time. 

Sunday’s showdown marks the fourth AFCON encounter between the nations, with the head-to-head evenly balanced: Algeria triumphed in 1996, Burkina Faso responded in 1998, and their most recent meeting finished level.

Algeria managed player workloads effectively against Sudan, and they arrive here with a fully fit squad. 

Burkina Faso also report no injury or suspension issues, allowing Brama Traore to consider sticking with the same XI from their dramatic opener. 

Algeria: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bennacer; Mahrez, Chaibi, Amoura; Bounedjah

Burkina Faso: Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Sangare, Quedraogo, Toure; B. Traore, Minoungou, Ouattara

After reviewing our predictions, be sure to visit the Livescore Bet to stake on your favourite games with enticing odds.

Both teams enter this clash in strong form: Algeria are unbeaten in their last 11 matches (W8) and Burkina Faso remain unbeaten in seven games (W6). 

However, given their last three encounters have ended all square and the sides appear evenly matched on current form, a draw seems the most likely outcome, with goals expected.

Correct score prediction: Algeria 1-1 Burkina Faso

Betting tips:

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals

Draw