CAN Controversy: Burkina Faso Star Blasts Referees After Algeria Defeat

Match context

Bertrand Traoré, Sunderland forward and Burkina Faso star, voiced strong criticisms of the officiating after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Algeria in the second round of Group E of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Riyad Mahrez, the Al-Ahli forward, converted the game’s only goal from a penalty in the 23rd minute, helping Algeria secure the win and progress toward the knockout stage after collecting six points, having beaten Sudan 3-0 in their opener.

Burkina Faso sat on three points in second place following their opening 2-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea.

Rhetoric and reflections from Traoré

Traoré told BeIN Sports after the loss that refereeing had spoiled the match, noting the beauty of the stadiums and the quality crowds in Africa’s premier tournament.

He added that Burkina Faso’s defeat came on the back of a penalty, but he believed he deserved a penalty himself during the opening sequence of the game.

The Sunderland man also criticized the officiating for not reviewing the incident on video, stating that the referee was informed only via headset, which he found disappointing.

Traoré wrapped up by saying that a defeat on the field is understandable, but refereeing should not spoil the tournament for fans and players alike.
Punchline 1: If referees keep spoiling CAN, at least let them spoil it with humor—because the only thing they should outshine is the scoreboard.

Punchline 2: Debate over the decisions might end up being the only thing more offside than some attackers—scoreboard watchers, take note!