Algeria - Burkina Faso predictions and free betting tips [20/01/2024]

Today, Algeria and Burkina Faso will compete as part of Group D in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Algerian National Team

Despite its formidable lineup, Algeria failed to defeat Angola in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations, with a draw of 1:1. The Algerians got on the scoreboard on the 18th minute, thanks to a goal from Buendia on the back of a Belaili pass, yet they conceded a goal on the 68th minute and were unable to cultivate dangerous moments in the end of the match, in spite of a commanding ball possession of 66% and 16 strikes on goal, three of which found the target.

The Algerian squad boasts seasoned veterans in attack, such as Mahrez, Feghouli, Slimani, along with Mbolhi and Mandi. In midfield, Bentaleb stands out, having secured a place in the symbolic team of the first half of French League 1. The team also has a number of naturalized players, including Aouar from Roma and Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton. Algeria's defence is augmented by the promising duo of Youcef Atal on the left and Aissa Mandi in the centre, as well as Dortmund Borussia's main defender Rami Bensebaini.

Algeria's recent matches prior to the Africa Cup of Nations showcase the team's strength and confidence, as they've achieved 5 consecutive victories, inclusive of friendly matches and World Cup 2026 qualifiers. On January 9, 2024, Algeria triumphed over Burundi with a score of 4:0, on January 5, 2024, they were victorious against Togo (3:0), on December 31, 2023, they conquered U23 national team (2:1), and on November 19, 2023, they bested Mozambique with 2:0.

Burkina Faso National Team

In its first match at the Africa Cup of Nations, Burkina Faso managed a victory over Mauritania with a score of 1:0, thanks to a penalty converted by Bertrand Traore in the 96th minute. The team dominated the noticeably weak competitor in the second half, commanding 62% ball possession, with 11 strikes on goal, 5 of which hit the target.

Burkina Faso has taken places in the Top-4 of the Africa Cup of Nations three times over the past 11 years. The team has two shining stars - Tapsoba from the Bundesliga leader Bayer and Bertrand Traore from Aston Villa, whose playing time has been limited of late, in addition to Mohamed Konate from Russian team Akhmat.

Even though Burkina Faso's midfield has no stars since the departure of Charles Kabore, the team's wingers Jonathan Pitroipa and Prejuce Nakoulma stand out in the recent Africa Cup of Nations. This duo significantly contributes to the team's successes on African Cups. Burkina Faso’s recent matches demonstrate good performance: they defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo (2:1) on January 10, 2024, lost to Iran (2:1) on January 5, 2024. In a World Cup qualifier on November 21, 2023, the team won over Ethiopia with 3:0. These outcomes attest to Burkina Faso's status as a potent and competitive team on the continent.

Head-to-Head

The competitors met in the 2021 CAN qualification, concluding in a 2:2 draw. Another draw (1:1) occurred in the first match of the current group. In the 2013 qualifiers, the teams traded home victories - Algeria 1:0 and Burkina Faso 3:2.

Prediction for Algeria - Burkina Faso

My money's on Algeria, a manifestly superior team, which couldn't finish off Angola in the first match and has the capacity to seize 3 points by force.