Algeria escaped defeat by the slimmest of margins against Burkina Faso in their Africa Cup of Nations clash on Saturday as a stoppage time header from Baghdad Bounedjah earned them a dramatic 2-2 draw after Burkina Faso had taken a late lead through Bertrand Traore’s penalty.
The first half saw few clear cut chances, with both teams sizing each other up. Just before the break, Burkina Faso took the lead when Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba’s inch-perfect diagonal ball found Mohamed Konate, whose thumping header gave them a 1-0 advantage. VAR confirmed Konate was onside after initial doubts.
Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi responded at halftime by bringing on Youcef Belaili, and the substitution paid dividends just 6 minutes after the restart. Belaili’s free kick was partially blocked but fell kindly to Bounedjah, who slotted home the equalizer from close range for his second goal of the tournament.
The see-saw nature of the game continued when Burkina Faso were awarded a penalty after Issa Kabore was fouled in the box. Traore, having come on for the booked Konate, calmly converted the spot kick to put Burkina Faso back in front with just over 15 minutes remaining.
With stars Riyad Mahrez and Belaili hooked late on after anonymous displays, it looked like Algeria would succumb to defeat. But Bounedjah had other ideas, rising highest in the 94th minute to power home a header from Adam Ounas’ cross and dramatically salvage a point for Algeria.
The 2-2 draw leaves Algeria with 2 points from their opening two games. But with Bounedjah in inspired form with 3 goals, they will fancy their chances of progressing with a win against Mauritania in their final group match.
