As the group phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations draws to a close, Sudan and Burkina Faso will lock horns in a decisive Group E showdown at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Wednesday, with both nations chasing the second automatic ticket to the knockout stages.
Both sides head into the encounter level on three points, but Burkina Faso occupy second place courtesy of a superior goal difference, leaving Sudan third and in need of a result to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Match Preview
Sudan’s AFCON campaign began on a disappointing note with a 3-0 defeat to Algeria, a result that left Kwesi Appiah’s men under immediate pressure in the group.
Knowing that anything less than a win in their second outing could derail their tournament, the Falcons of Jediane responded with a vital 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, aided by an own goal after the break. That result kept Sudan firmly in the qualification race.
The win was only Sudan’s second victory in 14 AFCON matches since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1970, underlining the significance of their resurgence. Crucially, it sets up Wednesday’s encounter as a straight shoot-out for progression.
A win would see Sudan secure automatic qualification, while a draw could still be enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams, depending on results elsewhere. History may also offer some encouragement, with Sudan having edged Burkina Faso 2-1 at AFCON 2012.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, arrive in Casablanca slightly bruised after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria, a result that brought their impressive seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions to an end.
Despite that setback, the Stallions remain in a strong position after winning their opening group match, and their superior goal difference means they control their own destiny. Victory on Wednesday would confirm a place in the round of 16 for the fourth consecutive AFCON, while defeat could leave them nervously awaiting results from other groups.
With a squad boasting greater tournament experience and depth, Brama Traore’s side will fancy their chances of getting the job done, even against a Sudan team full of belief.
Team News
Both teams report no fresh injury concerns ahead of the decisive clash.
Sudan welcome back Salaheldin Alhassan from suspension, while Monged Elneel is expected to continue in goal following a solid showing against Equatorial Guinea.
Burkina Faso could stick with the side that narrowly lost to Algeria, with Hervé Koffi retaining his place in goal. The experienced defensive unit of Steve Yago, Issoufou Dayo, Edmond Tapsoba and Arsène Kouassi is expected to start, while Bertrand Traore, Pierre Kabore and Dango Ouattara should lead the attack.
Possible Starting Lineups
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 to stay alive in the group, but Burkina Faso possess greater quality and experience at this level. With qualification firmly within reach, the Stallions are well placed to claim victory and secure their passage to the knockout stages.
