• AFCON 2025

• Frank Rotich 3 months ago

‎Burkina Faso face Equatorial Guinea as Algeria tackle Sudan in Group E encounter

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) continues on Wednesday with two important Group E matches that could set the tone for the rest of the group.

Burkina Faso will take on Equatorial Guinea, while Algeria face Sudan in a highly anticipated double header.

The first match of the day will be played at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, where Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea meet in their opening group game. Both teams will be keen to start the tournament with a win and build early momentum.

Burkina Faso, known as Les Étalons, come into the match with a strong squad filled with experience and pace. Sunderland forward Bertrand Traoré, Brentford winger Dango Ouattara and Shakhtar Donetsk striker Lassina Traoré are expected to lead the attack.

At the back, Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba and Angers goalkeeper Hervé Koffi will be key in keeping things tight.

Equatorial Guinea will rely on discipline and experience as they look to frustrate their opponents.

Captain Emilio Nsue provides leadership up front, while Jesús Owono in goal and Torino defender Saúl Coco will anchor the defence. Midfielders Pedro Obiang and Omar Mascarell are expected to control the tempo and provide balance.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides, with Burkina Faso holding a slight edge in previous encounters. However, past results suggest a close contest, and fans can expect a hard-fought battle.

Later in the day, attention shifts to Rabat, where Algeria face Sudan at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex. Algeria, two-time AFCON champions, are aiming for a strong start as they chase a third continental title.

Coach Vladimir Petković has a talented squad at his disposal, led by captain Riyad Mahrez. The Algerians will also depend on Mohamed Amoura, Baghdad Bounedjah, Ismaël Bennacer and defender Ramy Bensebaini to assert their dominance.

Sudan, coached by James Kwesi Appiah, may be underdogs but are known for their fighting spirit. Making their 17th AFCON appearance, the 1970 champions will look to surprise Algeria.

Key players include striker Mohamed Abdelrahman, goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa and captain Bakhit Khamis.

With all four teams eager to make an early statement, Wednesday’s matches promise excitement, intensity and early clues on how Group E might unfold at AFCON 2025.