AFCON 2023: Bounedjah snatches a draw against Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso hit Algeria late in the first half

Are Algeria about to relive the AFCON 2021 story? Either way, the Fennecs are in trouble at AFCON 2023. They salvaged a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso on Saturday 20 January in the Group D showdown. Djamel Belmadi's side started the game well, creating the first chances. Playing very wide on the left, Youssef Belaili tried his luck. His curling shot forced Koffi into a fine save. The Etalons goalkeeper made another good stop from a right-footed cross-shot by Sofiane Feghouli, and Bounedjah followed up but missed completely.

They would pay dearly for those misses, as Burkina Faso took the lead in first-half stoppage time. From a long cross, Mohamed Konaté powered a header into the Fennecs' goal. The goal was first disallowed by the referee, then awarded after a VAR review. Burkina Faso therefore led at the break.

Bounedjah rescues Algeria

With their backs to the wall, Algeria responded straight after the restart. Bagdad Bounedjah levelled for the Fennecs. After a free kick from Belaïli, the Algerian centre-forward, from point-blank range, pushed in the ball after Koffi had saved it the first time (49th minute). Pushed back by Algeria, the Etalons held firm. They even managed to catch out Djamel Belmadi's side. They regained the lead from the penalty spot. Kaboré went down in the box after contact with Aït-Nouri. The penalty was awarded after a VAR check.

Captain Bertrand Traoré took the penalty (71st minute). But Algeria were not done yet. By continuing to push, they equalised in the closing minutes. And once again it was Bounedjah who saved his side, with a superb header in stoppage time. With two points, Algeria will play for a place in the second round against Mauritania on the final matchday.