Equatorial Guinea and Sudan will face off in a pivotal 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group E fixture on Sunday at Stade Mohamed V. Both sides are coming off opening defeats and will be desperate for a win to boost their qualification hopes, sitting third and fourth in the group respectively.
Match Preview: Equatorial Guinea Eye Redemption
Equatorial Guinea appeared on track to secure a positive result in their group opener against Burkina Faso, even taking the lead late in the second half through Marvin Anieboh. However, stoppage-time goals from Georgi Minoungou and Edmond Tapsoba turned the match on its head, leaving the Nzalang Nacional still searching for their first points of the tournament.
Despite the collapse, head coach Juan Micha remains optimistic and is determined to see a stronger response against Sudan. Historical results also favour Equatorial Guinea, who have won the last two meetings against Sudan with a combined 5-1 scoreline.
Having scored nine goals in the previous Nations Cup group stage two years ago, the Central Africans will rely on their attacking strength against an opponent ranked 20 places lower by FIFA.
Sudan Aim to Bounce Back
Sudan, winners of a solitary continental title in 1970, have struggled to make an impact at recent AFCON tournaments, with their last quarter-final appearance coming in 2012. Following a 3-0 defeat to Algeria in their opener, the Falcons of Jediane are on a three-game losing streak, having scored just once in their last four matches while conceding eight.
Sunday’s clash is crucial for Sudan as they aim to keep their survival hopes alive ahead of their final group fixture against Burkina Faso.
Form Guide
Equatorial Guinea (AFCON 2025): L
Equatorial Guinea (All Competitions): W L D W L L L
Sudan (AFCON 2025): L
Sudan (All Competitions): D W D L L L
Team News and Possible Lineups
Equatorial Guinea: Basilio Ndong is suspended following his red card in the opening match. Charles Ondo is likely to fill in at left-back, while Marvin Anieboh could earn a starting spot after his late goal against Burkina Faso.
Possible XI: Owono; Akapo, Orozco, Coco, Ondo; Salvador, Mascarell, Ganet, Asue; Zuniga, Machin
Sudan: Salaheldin Adil is suspended following his dismissal against Algeria. Yasir Mozamil may return to the starting XI. Abo Eisa and Abuaagla Abdalla, who had injury scares in the opener, are expected to be fit.
Possible XI: Elneel; Khamis, Karshoum, Ahmed, Boshara; Omer, Abuaagla, Taifour; A Eisa, M Eisa, Mozamil
Prediction: Equatorial Guinea Edge Narrow Win
Equatorial Guinea’s competitive performance against Burkina Faso, combined with Sudan’s limited attacking threat, suggests the Central Africans can claim a narrow victory. Expect a tight, low-scoring encounter.
Prediction: Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Sudan
