AFCON 2025: Burkina Faso face Equatorial Guinea as Algeria meet Sudan
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 24.12.25. | 08:18
Wednesday’s double header promises early group stage narratives that could significantly shape the course of Group E.
After an electrifying three days of action at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), the continental showpiece resumes on Wednesday, 24 December with two enticing Group E fixtures set to captivate football fans.
The day’s action kicks off at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, where Burkina Faso face Equatorial Guinea in the group’s opening encounter.
With both sides eager to make a strong statement in their first match, the contest promises intensity, tactical battles, and a fierce fight for maximum points at the top of the group.
This fixture marks the fourth meeting between the two nations and only their second competitive encounter following their last clash at the 2015 AFCON. Historically, the head-to-head record stands at one 1 0 victory for Burkina Faso and two goalless draws in friendly matches, underlining how evenly matched the sides have been.
Burkina Faso, popularly known as Les Étalons, will rely on several key players to secure a positive start. Sunderland forward Bertrand Traoré, Brentford winger Dango Ouattara, Shakhtar Donetsk striker Lassina Traoré, Bayer Leverkusen center back Edmond Tapsoba, and first-choice goalkeeper Hervé Koffi of Angers are expected to play pivotal roles in driving the team’s ambitions.
Equatorial Guinea, on the other hand, will lean heavily on experience and leadership. Captain Emilio Nsue of CF Intercity, veteran goalkeeper Jesús Owono of Andorra, defender Saúl Coco of Torino, midfielders Pedro Obiang of AC Monza and Omar Mascarell of Real Mallorca will be central to their efforts to contain their opponents.
The tactical acumen of head coach Juan Michá Obiang Bicogo, who guided Equatorial Guinea to the quarter finals in 2021 and the Round of 16 in 2023 will be crucial in orchestrating a competitive performance. In contrast, Burkina Faso coach Brama Traoré embarks on his maiden AFCON campaign seeking to make a strong first impression in what promises to be a thrilling Group E opener.
Algeria vs Sudan
Later in the day, Algeria takes on Sudan at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat in a fixture that also carries significant stakes.
The two sides meet for the ninth time overall, with their first encounter dating back to the 1980 World Cup qualifiers, where Algeria claimed a 2 0 victory in the opening leg. Although this will be their first competitive meeting at the AFCON past encounters suggest a closely contested affair.
Algeria two time AFCON champions will be keen to lay a solid foundation in their pursuit of a third continental crown. Swiss-born head coach Vladimir Petković will call upon a wealth of talent, including captain and Al Ahli SC forward Riyad Mahrez, VfL Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura, Al Shamal SC winger Baghdad Bounedjah, Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Ismaël Bennacer, Borussia Dortmund left back Ramy Bensebaini and Granada CF goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
However, the North African giants face stern opposition from a determined Sudanese side coached by Ghanaian tactician James Kwesi Appiah. The 1970 champions are making their 17th AFCON appearance and will aim to make a strong impression despite relying heavily on locally based players.
Sudan will look to the experience of Al Hilal forward Mohamed Abdelrahman, Azam FC goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa, winger Walieldin Khidir of Al Hilal, captain and defender Bakhit Khamis of Al Merrikh, and Jamus FC center back Mohamed Kesra to mount a credible challenge against the Algerians.
Wednesday’s double header promises early group stage narratives that could significantly shape the course of Group E.
