Algeria began their CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Burkina Faso on December 29, 2025. The Desert Foxes ground out a vital three points against a physical and organized Burkinabe side in a tense group stage encounter. The decisive moment came in the second half when Algeria's creative midfielder unlocked the defense with a precise through ball, finished calmly by the striker. Burkina Faso pressed for an equalizer and had a strong penalty appeal waved away in the final ten minutes, but Algeria's defense held firm to secure a clean sheet. The victory placed Algeria at the top of their group early on, applying pressure on their rivals. Algeria's coach stated the win was more important than the performance, acknowledging the need for improvement. The Burkina Faso manager expressed pride in his team's effort but disappointment at not getting a result from a closely contested match.