AFCON 2025: Algeria through, Sudan surprise, Mozambique make history

Algeria defeat Burkina Faso to book their place in the knockout stages, Sudan secure a vital win over Equatorial Guinea in a thrilling encounter, Mozambique edge Gabon 3–2, claiming their first-ever victory at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations finals after six appearances and Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire play to a draw in Marrakech.

• Cameroon 1-0 Côte d’Ivoire

Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire shared the spoils in a pulsating 1–1 draw in their second Group F fixture at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025.

At the end of 90 minutes, neither side could find a decisive edge in a gripping encounter in Marrakesh.

Junior Tchamadeu’s deflected effort midway through the second half cancelled out a moment of brilliance from Amad Diallo, whose stunning opener had put the Ivorians ahead in a contest rich in quality, intensity and goal-mouth action.

The opening exchanges were tight and tactical, with both sides showing caution.

Cameroon came close to breaking the deadlock after 20 minutes when Christian Kofane rose highest to meet a cross from the left, only to see his header crash against the crossbar.

Côte d’Ivoire believed they had gone into the break infront when captain Franck Kessié volleyed home from close range, but celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside against Vakoun Issouf Bayo’s assist in the build-up.

The match burst into life after the restart. End-to-end football defined the opening minutes of the second half, before Diallo produced a moment of magic to open the scoring. 

The Manchester United forward collected the ball on the right, cut inside onto his favoured left foot and curled a sublime effort beyond the outstretched dive of goalkeeper Devis Epassy.

Cameroon responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, Tchamadeu struck from inside the box, his effort taking a wicked deflection off Ghislain Konan to wrong-foot the goalkeeper and restore parity for the Indomitable Lions.

With the scores level, both teams pushed in search of a winner.

Bryan Mbeumo was well marshalled by the Ivorian defence, his closest attempt coming from a free-kick that narrowly missed the target from the edge of the area. 

Despite late pressure at both ends, neither side could force a breakthrough.

The draw leaves both Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire level on four points, with identical goals scored and conceded. 

Attention now turns to the final round of decisive group matches on New Year’s Eve, with Cameroon travelling back to Agadir to face Mozambique, while the defending champions remain in Marrakesh to take on already eliminated Gabon.

• Algeria 1–0 Burkina Faso

Captain Riyad Mahrez's 23’ (pen) scored the lone goal, a priceless strike from the penalty spot that secured three points for Algeria and confirmed their qualification to the Round of 16 at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025.

The Algerians firmed up their place top of Group E as they moved to six points after back-to-back wins.

Burkina Faso remain second with three points, level with Sudan who earlier on beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0.

It was a tough and physically demanding duel, and the tempo cost Algeria an early change, Juan Hadjam, forced off injured and replaced by striker Baghdad Bounedjah after just 13 minutes, following a heavy challenge from Gustavo Sangaré.

The physicality of the game ultimately cost Burkina Faso after Rayan Aït-Nouri was fouled inside the box by Ismahila Ouedraogo in the 23^rd minute, the referee pointing to the spot.

Skipper Mahrez stepped up and made no mistake with a calm conversion to give Les Fennecs an early lead.

Algeria could have ended the half with a two-goal cushion, but Mohamed Amoura saw his shot from close range off a Mahrez assist saved by the keeper.

In the second half, Vladimir Petković’s men maintained the same rhythm, creating several chances, but were unable to convert them.

Ibrahim Maza and Aït-Nouri both had clear opportunities to score, but were thwarted by the Burkinabe keeper Kouakou Koffi.

Burkina Faso also had chances of their own, the closest being a curler from the colorful substitute Georgi Minoungou.

The effort went inches over the bar. Despite more efforts to battle for an equalizer, Algeria defended with discipline.

Algeria will now take on already eliminated Equatorial Guinea in their final group match, while Burkina Faso will battle with Sudan in a high-billed clash that will determine who gets the second automatic ticket to the knockout phase.

The two matches will be played on new Year’s eve.

• Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Sudan

Saúl Basilio Coco-Bassey Oubiña 74' (OG) make Sudan to secured a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in a freezing 14° evening in Casablanca to blow group E wide open in the TotalEnergies AFCON. 

The match remained on a knife-edge until the 74th minute, when a moment of pure chaos in the Equatorial Guinea box changed everything.

A stinging Sudanese cross forced center-back Saul Coco into a desperate clearance, only for the ball to fly into the back of his own net.

That single goal was enough to spark wild celebrations and hand Sudan their first tournament win in over a decade.

Following a heavy defeat in their opening match, Sudan knew they were playing for survival.

Under intense pressure from a technical Equatorial Guinea side, the Sudanese backline refused to buckle. 

Goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid stood like a wall, orchestrating a defense that absorbed wave after wave of attack before striking on the counter.

This result blows Group E wide open. Sudan has officially moved level on points with the group leaders, turning their final match into a "win-and-you’re-in" scenario.

For the players, this wasn't just about three points. With Sudan facing immense challenges at home, the team has become a symbol of defiance.

This victory—their first at the AFCON finals since 2012—offers a rare moment of pride and joy for millions of fans watching from afar.

Sudan now heads into their final group clash against Burkina Faso on New Year’s Eve with everything to play for.

If they can replicate this defensive masterclass, a place in the Round of 16 is within their grasp.

• Gabon 2-3 Mozambique

Scored by P. E. Aubameyang 45+5, A. Moussounda 76e / F. Bangal 32e, G.Catama 42e (P), D. Callila.

The Mambas, who had previously gone 16 matches without a win on the continental stage, finally broke their drought in a clinical display at the Stade Adrar.

The match burst into life late in the first half when Faizal Bangal opened the scoring in the 37th minute, heading home a superb cross from Geny Catamo.

Just five minutes later, Mozambique doubled their lead after Dominguês was fouled in the penalty area by Bruno Ecuele Manga.

Catamo stepped up to coolly convert the penalty, sending the ball into the bottom left corner. 

Gabon managed to find a lifeline deep into first-half stoppage time through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The veteran striker pounced on a rebound after Didier Ndong’s initial effort was parried, cementing his status as one of the oldest goalscorers in the history of the AFCON finals.

The momentum shifted back to Mozambique shortly after the break.

In the 52nd minute, Diogo Calila rose highest in the center of the box to meet a cross from Witi, powering a header into the roof of the net to restore the two-goal cushion. 

Gabon responded with a series of tactical changes, introducing Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and Royce Openda to bolster their attack.

The pressure from the Panthers eventually paid off in the 86th minute when Moucketou-Moussounda scored from close range following a corner, setting up a frantic finale.

Despite late attempts from Mario Lemina and Jacques Ekomié, Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane remained resolute, producing several crucial saves to protect the lead.

The final whistle confirmed a landmark achievement for Mozambique, ending nearly four decades of waiting for a win at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Gabon and Mozambique both suffered defeat in their opening Group F matches and will be targeting their first win at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations when they meet in their second fixture at the Grand Stade d’Agadir on 28 December. Kick-off is at 13h30 local time (12h30 GMT).