AFCON preview: Algeria and Sudan Face Off in Group E Opener
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivers a captivating North-versus-East African clash today as Algeria takes on Sudan at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan. While both nations share deep linguistic and cultural ties, the stakes on the pitch are purely competitive. Algeria arrives in Morocco desperate to erase the memories of two consecutive group-stage exits, while a resilient Sudan side looks to honor a nation currently navigating through the hardships of civil conflict.
Historical Edge: A First for AFCON
Surprisingly, this match marks the first time these two nations have ever met in a final AFCON tournament. Historically, the Desert Foxes have been the dominant force, maintaining an unbeaten record against Sudan for over four decades. In their nine previous encounters across all competitions, Algeria has recorded four wins and five draws.
Their most recent meeting occurred during the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, where Algeria secured a dominant 4-0 victory. However, more recent local clashes suggest the gap may be closing; in August 2025, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals, with Sudan eventually advancing on penalties.
Despite those local skirmishes, Algeria’s senior A team remains the heavy statistical favorite.
Pre-Match War Room: Confidence and Pride
Vladimir Petković (Algeria Head Coach):
“I am confident. I sincerely believe that we have what it takes to qualify for the second round. My role is to pass that conviction on to the players. Sudan is a very energetic team, well-organized and dangerous in how they use the ball. We must be realistic given what happened in the last two tournaments—we dare not fail again.”
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria Captain):
“Pressure is part of a footballer’s daily life, even if it’s especially intense in Algeria. We are ready; the squad is ready. We were very well received here in Morocco, and we are going to do everything we can to achieve something special.”
Kwesi Appiah (Sudan Head Coach):
“We all know this tournament is important to the Sudanese people right now. We are here to do our best to make them proud, and that only happens if we put our best foot forward. If you go into a match thinking about the ‘stars’ in the other team, you have already lost before kick-off.”
Bhakit Khamis (Sudan Defender):
“Our presence here is important, but that alone is not enough. We managed to participate despite a very tough period for our country. We need to do well to give our people something to smile about, and that starts against a strong side like Algeria.”
Tactical Preview & Projected Lineups
Vladimir Petković is expected to stick to a balanced 4-2-3-1 system, utilizing Ismaël Bennacer and Ramiz Zerrouki as a double pivot to control the tempo. The main threat remains Riyad Mahrez, who will look to cut inside from the right, while the physical presence of Baghdad Bounedjah is expected to lead the line.
Sudan, under the disciplined guidance of Kwesi Appiah, will likely adopt a compact 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. Their strategy will focus on frustrating Algeria’s playmakers and relying on the experience of “The King” Mohamed Abdelrahman to snatch a goal on the counter-attack.
Projected Algeria XI (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Anthony Mandrea
- DF: Youcef Atal, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaïni, Rayan Aït-Nouri
- MF: Ismaël Bennacer, Ramiz Zerrouki
- AM: Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Aouar, Anis Hadj Moussa
- FW: Baghdad Bounedjah
Projected Sudan XI (4-4-2):
- GK: Mohamed Elnour Abooja
- DF: Mustafa Karshoum, Bhakit Khamis, Mohamed Ering, Basilio Ndong
- MF: Waliedin Khedr, Ammar Taifour, Abdalla Mohamed, Sheddy Barglan
- FW: Mohamed Abdelrahman, John Mano
Match Officials
- Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria) — Note: Due to the North African pairing, CAF may assign a neutral official such as Issa Sy (Senegal) or Abongile Tom (South Africa).
- VAR: Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt)
