It took a singular moment of brilliance from a familiar left foot to break the deadlock, the tension, and perhaps the curse that has haunted Algerian football for nearly four years. Riyad Mahrez, the captain and talisman, stepped up when it mattered most, curling a trademark finish past Burkina Faso goalkeeper Hervé Koffi to secure a 1-0 victory and book Algeria’s ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16.

For the Desert Foxes, this win in Morocco is more than just three points; it is an exorcism. After crashing out in the group stages of the last two editions, the 2019 champions have finally navigated the treacherous waters of the opening round with a game to spare.

A Captain's Intervention

The match at the Stade de Marrakech was a tactical chess match, characterized by stifling heat and cautious play. For 75 minutes, the Stallions of Burkina Faso, led by the industrious Bertrand Traoré, frustrated Algeria with a low defensive block and lightning-quick counter-attacks. The Algerian midfield, marshaled by Ismaël Bennacer, dominated possession but struggled to find the killer pass.

Then came the 78th minute. Receiving a cross-field ball from Rayan Aït-Nouri, Mahrez did what he has done hundreds of times on Premier League and Saudi Pro League pitches. He dropped his shoulder, cut inside from the right flank, and unleashed a curling effort that nestled into the far corner. It was a goal of pure geometry, impossible to stop even if you knew it was coming.

• Possession: Algeria 62% - 38% Burkina Faso
• Shots on Target: Algeria 4 - 1 Burkina Faso
• Man of the Match: Riyad Mahrez

Petkovic's Gamble Pays Off

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic, whose appointment earlier this year was met with skepticism in some quarters, cut a relieved figure on the touchline. His decision to stick with the veteran Mahrez, despite calls for younger blood, was vindicated. Speaking to reporters post-match, Petkovic emphasized discipline over flair.

"We knew Burkina Faso would be organized. Patience was our strategy," Petkovic noted. "Today, we did not just play with our feet; we played with our heads. Qualification was the minimum requirement, but we are not here just to participate."

The Kenyan Connection

Why does a match in North Africa matter to the wananchi in Nairobi? Because for many Kenyan football lovers, the Desert Foxes represent the technical excellence we aspire to. Mahrez, a fixture on screens in local vibandas for years, remains a cult hero. Moreover, for the thousands of Kenyan punters who backed Algeria to win, Mahrez’s late strike was the difference between a ruined weekend and a payout.

"It’s about the quality," says James Omondi, a football analyst based in Westlands. "When Harambee Stars aren't there, we look for the teams that play 'proper' football. Algeria showed today that they have the mental strength to go all the way."

With qualification secured, Algeria can now rotate their squad for the final group game, while Burkina Faso must fight for their survival. But for tonight, the streets of Algiers—and pockets of Nairobi—belong to Mahrez.