As the group phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations draws to a close, Sudan and Burkina Faso go head-to-head in a decisive Group E showdown at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Wednesday, with the second automatic qualification place firmly on the line.
Both nations head into the final round of fixtures level on three points, but it is Burkina Faso who currently occupy second place courtesy of a superior goal difference, leaving Sudan third and in urgent need of a result.
Match Preview
Sudan’s AFCON campaign got off to a disappointing start with a heavy 3-0 defeat to Algeria, a result that left Kwesi Appiah’s side with little margin for error in their remaining group games.
Facing Equatorial Guinea in a must-win encounter, the Falcons of Jediane responded positively, grinding out a 1-0 victory thanks to a second-half own goal. That result kept their qualification hopes alive and marked only Sudan’s second win in 14 AFCON matches since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1970.
Crucially, the win means Sudan remain firmly in contention for progression. A victory on Wednesday guarantees qualification, while even a draw could still be enough to see them advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Appiah’s men may also draw confidence from history, having beaten Burkina Faso 2-1 at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, although the current task presents a far sterner challenge.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, arrive in Casablanca seeking a swift response after seeing their seven-game unbeaten run come to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Algeria in their previous outing.
Despite that setback, the Stallions remain in a strong position, having won their opening group game and maintaining an edge over Sudan on goal difference. A win would see Brama Traore’s side secure back-to-back qualification for the round of 16 for the fourth tournament in a row.
Defeat, however, would leave Burkina Faso anxiously waiting to see whether they can sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams — a scenario they will be keen to avoid given their pedigree and experience at this level.
Team News
Both camps head into the decisive fixture with no fresh injury concerns.
Sudan welcome back Salaheldin Alhassan, who returns from suspension, while Monged Elneel is expected to retain his place in goal following a solid display against Equatorial Guinea.
For Burkina Faso, Herve Koffi should continue between the posts, shielded by a settled back four of Steve Yago, Issoufou Dayo, Edmond Tapsoba and Arsene Kouassi. In attack, Bertrand Traore, Pierre Kabore and Dango Ouattara are expected to lead the line, with Ouattara already contributing an assist in the tournament.
Possible Starting Line-ups
Sudan:
Elneel; Barglan, Saeed Ahmed, Karshom, Khamis; Khidir, Omer, Taifour; Abdallah, Eisa, Abdelrahman
Burkina Faso:
Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Sangare, Ouedraogo, Zougrana; Traore, Kabore, Ouattara
Prediction
Sudan 0-2 Burkina Faso
Sudan showed resilience in their narrow win over Equatorial Guinea, but Burkina Faso boast greater depth, experience and attacking quality. With automatic qualification within reach, the Stallions are expected to rise to the occasion and secure a controlled victory to book their place in the knockout stages.
