Sudan fall as Algeria maintain perfect AFCON run
Burkina Faso defeat Sudan to set Senegal clash, while Algeria’s flawless group stage fuels growing title expectations
CASABLANCA, Morocco (MNTV) — Sudan slipped to a 2–0 defeat against Burkina Faso in their final Group E match of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, setting up a daunting last-16 meeting with defending champions Senegal, as Algeria completed the group stage with another convincing victory.
Burkina Faso struck early at the Mohammed V Stadium when Lassina Traore headed in from close range to give his side the lead, putting immediate pressure on Sudan.
The East Africans had a chance to draw level midway through the first half, but Algozoli Nooh squandered a penalty, sending his effort wide after Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi fouled him in the area.
Arsene Kouassi sealed the win late on, finishing calmly in the 85th minute to confirm Burkina Faso’s second-place finish in the group behind Algeria. Both sides had already secured qualification, but the result determined Sudan’s path into the knockout phase.
Despite the loss — their second in three matches — Sudan progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, thanks to an earlier 1–0 win over Equatorial Guinea.
Coach Kwesi Appiah acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting Burkina Faso’s European-based talent and the scale of the task facing his side against Senegal.
Sudan, ranked 117th in the world, have rarely advanced deep into the tournament since winning the title in 1970, making their qualification for the knockout stage a significant achievement amid the country’s ongoing conflict.
In Rabat, Algeria underlined their status as Group E winners with a comfortable 3–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea, completing the group stage with a perfect record. Coach Vladimir Petkovic rotated heavily, making nine changes, but Algeria’s depth proved decisive.
Zineddine Belaid opened the scoring with a header from a corner before Ibrahim Maza played through Fares Chaibi to double the lead. Maza then added a third himself, with Emilio Nsue pulling one back for Equatorial Guinea in a match that had no bearing on qualification.
Algeria’s composed performance has reinforced growing sentiment that they are emerging as the tournament’s strongest contenders.
Analysts point to their balance, tactical discipline and squad depth, contrasting them with rivals who rely more heavily on individual brilliance.
While Morocco, buoyed by World Cup success, Egypt’s historic pedigree, Tunisia’s defensive solidity and Nigeria’s raw talent all remain factors, Algeria’s cohesion and consistency stand out. With momentum firmly on their side, the two-time champions appear well positioned as the competition moves into the knockout rounds.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
