AFCON 2025: Algeria Book Knockout Place, Sudan Edge Equatorial Guinea
Algeria booked their place in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, while Sudan claimed a crucial victory against Equatorial Guinea to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Algeria 1–0 Burkina Faso
Captain Riyad Mahrez scored the winning goal from the penalty spot as Algeria secured a hard-fought victory over Burkina Faso.
The decisive moment came in the 23rd minute when Rayan Aït-Nouri was fouled inside the box. Mahrez calmly converted the penalty to give Algeria the lead and, ultimately, all three points.
The match was physical and intense, with Algeria forced into an early change after Juan Hadjam was injured and replaced by Baghdad Bounedjah. Despite creating several chances, Algeria were unable to add a second goal, with Mohamed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza both denied by the Burkina Faso goalkeeper.
Burkina Faso also pushed for an equaliser, but Algeria defended well to protect their lead until the final whistle.
The win takes Algeria to six points from two matches, confirming their place in the Round of 16 and top spot in Group E. Burkina Faso remain on three points and will now face Sudan in a decisive final group game.
Equatorial Guinea 0–1 Sudan
Sudan boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage with a vital 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca.
The match was evenly balanced until the 74th minute, when a dangerous Sudan cross caused confusion in the Equatorial Guinea defence. Centre-back Saúl Coco accidentally turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
Sudan defended strongly for most of the game, with goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid producing an excellent performance to keep Equatorial Guinea at bay.
The victory is Sudan’s first at the AFCON finals since 2012 and moves them level on points with Burkina Faso in Group E.
Sudan will now face Burkina Faso on New Year’s Eve in a must-win match, while Algeria take on Equatorial Guinea in their final group fixture.
