Equatorial Guinea and Algeria conclude their Group E campaign this Wednesday in Rabat. While the Desert Warriors have already booked their place in the knockout stages with a perfect record, the Nzalang Nacional find themselves in a desperate fight for survival, needing a result against the group leaders to keep their tournament hopes alive.
After a disappointing group-stage exit in the previous edition, Algeria has arrived in Morocco with a vengeance, looking like the team to beat. Equatorial Guinea, meanwhile, has struggled to replicate the “giant-killer” form that saw them reach the quarter-finals in 2021, and they now face the ultimate test against a high-flying Algerian side.
Match details: Time and Venue
The match serves as the Group E finale, played simultaneously with the Sudan vs. Burkina Faso fixture to ensure a fair fight for the remaining qualification spots.
- Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025
- Kick-off: 16:00 GMT (17:00 local time)
- Venue: Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
AFCON 2025: Schedule, results and standings of the Africa Cup of Nations
Where to watch globally
The 2025 edition of AFCON is being broadcast to a record 180 territories. Fans can follow the New Year’s Eve action through the following major providers:
- UK: Channel 4 (Free-to-air) on 4Seven, E4, and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
- USA & Canada: Exclusive coverage on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español. Streaming is available via Fubo, Sling TV, and Fanatiz.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (English/Portuguese) and Canal+ Afrique (French). New World TV also provides coverage across 46 countries.
- North Africa & MENA: beIN SPORTS MENA is the primary rights holder.
- South Africa: Every game is available for free on SABC and the SABC+ app.
- Australia & NZ: Live and exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
- Europe: Various partners including Movistar (Spain), Ziggo Sport (Netherlands), SportDigital (Germany/Austria/Switzerland), and DAZN (Italy).
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria prediction, betting tips: Mahrez to shine
Team news
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković may use this fixture to rotate his squad, having already secured top spot in the group. Captain Riyad Mahrez, who has been in scintillating form with three goals in two games, might be rested or given limited minutes.
However, the Algerians are monitoring the fitness of Jaouen Hadjam, who picked up an ankle knock in the previous round. Rising star Ibrahim Maza is expected to keep his place in midfield after a Man of the Match performance against Burkina Faso.
Equatorial Guinea, led by Juan Micha, has no choice but to go all-out. The big talking point remains whether veteran striker Emilio Nsue—the top scorer of AFCON 2023—will be recalled to the starting XI after beginning the tournament on the bench. The defense, anchored by Saul Coco, will need to be flawless to stop an Algerian attack that has yet to be silenced in Morocco.
History of upsets
Equatorial Guinea will take heart from their historical bogey team status against Algeria. They famously ended Algeria’s 35-match unbeaten run during the 2021 AFCON with a 1-0 victory.
However, the Desert Warriors have regained the upper hand recently, including a 2-0 win in the qualifiers for this very tournament.
For Juan Micha, the mission is clear:
“We have our backs against the wall, but we have been here before,” Micha said. “Algeria is a great team, but in 90 minutes, anything can happen. We play for our people and our pride.”
AFCON 2025. Nine arenas set to define the continental showpiece
Group E
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| Algeria (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +4 | 6 |
| Burkina Faso | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Sudan | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 3 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 |
