Equatorial Guinea face a daunting task when they take on Group E leaders Algeria in the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
While Algeria have already secured their passage to the round of 16, the Nzalang Nacional must secure a positive result—and hope other results go their way—to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Match Preview
Equatorial Guinea’s campaign in Morocco has been a frustrating one. Despite showing glimpses of promise, they have struggled to convert chances into results. Their hopes suffered a setback on 24 December when a late Marvin Anieboh strike initially put them ahead against Burkina Faso, only for two stoppage-time goals to hand them a 2-1 defeat.
Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Sudan compounded their woes, with a second-half own goal by Saul Coco proving decisive. The result left Equatorial Guinea bottom of Group E with zero points, meaning they must beat Algeria and rely on an improved goal difference or favourable other results to advance, either as automatic qualifiers or one of the best third-placed teams.
Historically, Equatorial Guinea remain a modest force at the AFCON, their best showing coming in 2015 when they reached the semi-finals as hosts. Recent matches have mirrored this inconsistency, including losses to Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Madagascar, alongside a narrow friendly win over Kenya. Over their last six competitive fixtures, they have scored just three goals while conceding seven, underlining the attacking improvements required to challenge Algeria.
Algeria’s Commanding Campaign
Algeria arrive for the Group E finale as confirmed group leaders, having already booked their spot in the round of 16 with two wins from two matches. Their campaign began emphatically with a 3-0 victory over Sudan, with Riyad Mahrez scoring twice and Ibrahim Maza adding a third. A narrow 1-0 win over Burkina Faso on Sunday, courtesy of a Mahrez penalty, confirmed their qualification and top spot, removing any pressure for the final fixture.
Under head coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria have combined tactical discipline with attacking flexibility. Mahrez remains central to their ambitions, now the nation’s all-time leading AFCON scorer with nine goals, while contributions from Ismael Bennacer, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Luca Zidane provide balance and experience.
Their confidence has been bolstered by strong pre-tournament form, including a 2-0 Arab Cup win over Saudi Arabia and a 3-1 friendly victory against Zimbabwe, alongside impressive World Cup qualifying performances earlier this year.
Recent Form
Equatorial Guinea AFCON form: L L
Equatorial Guinea (all competitions): L D W L L L
Algeria AFCON form: W W
Algeria (all competitions): D W W L W W
Team News
Equatorial Guinea will likely recall captain Emilio Nsue to lead the attack after starting recent matches on the bench. Injuries to Santiago Eneme and Pedro Obiang may pave the way for Pablo Ganet and Josete Miranda to start, while Basilio Ndong remains suspended.
Algeria may rotate players following their confirmed qualification. Jaouen Hadjam and Samir Chergui are monitored for fitness, and there are reports Adil Boulbina could earn a start. Other candidates for rotation include Ibrahim Maza, Anis Hadj Moussa, Fares Chaibi, and Ramiz Zerrouki, while Anthony Mandrea could replace Luca Zidane in goal.
Possible Starting Lineups
Equatorial Guinea:
Owono; Akapo, Orozco, Coco, Anieboh; Mascarell, Ganet, Machin; Salvador, Miranda, Nsue
Algeria:
Mandrea; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Zerrouki, Boulbina, Chaibi; Moussa, Amoura, Bounedjah
Prediction
Equatorial Guinea 2-2 Algeria
Equatorial Guinea must attack from the first whistle to keep their knockout hopes alive, making this a potentially open, end-to-end contest. Algeria, though already qualified, are likely to field an energetic side eager to impress, creating the perfect setup for a competitive and entertaining clash.
