AFCON 2025: Can Sudan stand in the way of Traoré-Led Burkina Faso?

The final round of group-stage matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concludes on Wednesday, 31 December, with four decisive fixtures lined up across Groups E and F.

With qualification scenarios delicately poised, the evening promises potential late twists, as teams seek either automatic progression or a lifeline through the best third-placed route.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

In Group E, the race for knockout qualification remains wide open.

Burkina Faso and Sudan sit second and third respectively, level on three points, while group leaders Algeria have already secured progression, but remain keen to finish with a perfect record.

The standout fixture sees Burkina Faso face Sudan at Stade Mohamed V, where automatic qualification will be firmly on the line.

With little separating the two sides, the encounter presents a high-stakes scenario in which victory guarantees safe passage, while defeat could leave qualification hanging on fine margins.

Sudan arrive buoyed by a morale-boosting 1–0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, a result that reignited their campaign after an opening-day defeat to Algeria.

AFCON 2025: Senegal top Group D after routine win over Benin as DR Congo finish second

That win left the Falcons of Jediane knowing that another positive result could see them finish second on six points and advance directly to the Round of 16.

Even a draw may suffice for Sudan, potentially securing progression as one of the best third-placed teams, an outcome that would allow them to avoid the uncertainties of final-day permutations elsewhere.

Under the guidance of Ghanaian head coach Kwesi Appiah, Sudan have shown growing tactical cohesion and resilience.

Appiah will once again look to key figures including: Abobaker Mamoun Eisa (Nongbua Pitchaya), Mohamed Abdelrahman (Al-Hilal Omdurman), Mohamed Eisa (Uthai Thani FC), Walieldin Khidir, Sheddy Barglan (FC Den Bosch), Altayeb Abdalla (Al-Hilal Club), and goalkeeper Monged Elneel (Al-Merriekh) to guide his side through what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle.

Two major additions lined up as Talanta Stadium project expands

However, Sudan face a formidable challenge against a Burkina Faso side equally determined to secure automatic qualification.

The Stallions come into the clash on the back of a narrow 1–0 defeat to Algeria and will be eager to respond positively and return to winning ways.

Head coach Brama Traoré knows that even a draw would be enough to send his side through automatically, but Burkina Faso are expected to push for maximum points, relying on their wealth of international experience.

Traoré will place his faith in a strong foreign-based contingent, including: captain Bertrand Traoré (Sunderland), Dango Ouattara (Brentford), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), goalkeeper Hervé Koffi (Angers SC), Stéphane Aziz Ki (Wydad Casablanca), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol), and Lassina Traoré (Shakhtar Donetsk).

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Comoros' strategy that frustrated star-studded Mali to barren draw

The match marks only the second competitive AFCON meeting between the two nations.

Their previous encounter, more than a decade ago in 2012, ended in Sudan’s favour, with Mudhather Karika’s brace sealing a memorable 2–1 victory over Burkina Faso.

In the other Group E fixture, Algeria will face Equatorial Guinea at Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, with kickoff set for 7:00 pm.

Already assured of progression after winning their opening two matches, the two-time AFCON champions will be aiming for a clean sweep as they look to carry momentum into the knockout phase.

Under Swiss-born coach Vladimir Petković, the Desert Foxes boast a wealth of attacking and defensive quality.

Algeria are expected to lean on the experience and creativity of captain Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli SC), alongside Mohamed Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg), Baghdad Bounedjah (Al-Shamal SC), Ismaël Bennacer (AC Milan), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), and goalkeeper Luca Zidane (Granada CF).

Equatorial Guinea, however, arrive with unfinished business.

Still in contention for qualification as a best third-placed team, the Nzalang Nacional will be pushing for an upset while keeping one eye on the outcome of the Burkina Faso–Sudan clash.

The West African side will rely on captain Emilio Nsue (CF Intercity), veteran goalkeeper Jesús Owono (FC Andorra), defenders Saúl Coco (Torino), and midfield anchors Pedro Obiang (AC Monza) and Omar Mascarell (Real Mallorca) to frustrate the Algerians.

BETTING GUIDE: Gabon vs Ivory Coast, match preview, team news and betting tip

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 central to shaping their tactical approach as they chase a late surge into the knockout rounds.

This encounter represents the second AFCON meeting between the two sides.

Equatorial Guinea holds fond memories of their last clash, having defeated Algeria 1–0 at the 2021 AFCON, courtesy of a decisive strike from Esteban Obiang.

Inaki Williams: "Playing in Saudi Arabia is rubbish"

That result still lingers, and while Equatorial Guinea will aim to extend their perfect AFCON record against Algeria, the Desert Foxes will be equally determined to avenge that defeat and reassert their continental credentials setting tone for a cracker.

With qualification scenarios delicately balanced, Group E’s final night promises a compelling conclusion.

Wednesday Fixtures and odds

19.00: (6.00) Equatorial Guinea (3.60) Algeria (1.65)

19.00: (4.60) Sudan (3.35) Burkina Faso (1.87)

22.00: (6.00) Gabon (3.60) Ivory Coast (1.65)

22.00: (7.00) Mozambique (4.50) Cameroon (1.45)

*** Odds are subject to change***