Football history will be made in Rabat, Morocco, as Algeria and Sudan face off for the first time at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The Group E showdown at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium kicks off their campaigns in the continent’s premier national team competition, with kick-off scheduled for around 15:00 GMT (16:00 local time).
A First at AFCON — Longstanding Rivalry Renewed
While Algeria and Sudan have met in other competitions before, this will be their first-ever encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Historically, the two nations have clashed eight times in various tournaments — including friendlies, the CAF African Nations Championship, and the FIFA Arab Cup — with Algeria remaining unbeaten in regulation play (four wins and four draws).
Recent meetings in 2025 include:
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A 1-1 draw in the CAF African Nations Championship quarter-finals, where Sudan advanced on penalties.
Despite those close results, Sudan has never beaten Algeria in open play.
Algeria: Aiming to Reignite AFCON Glory
Algeria arrive in Morocco as one of Africa’s most decorated teams, making their 21st appearance at the AFCON finals.
The Desert Foxes have won the tournament twice — in 1990 on home soil and again in 2019 — but enter this edition with something to prove.
Their recent AFCON form has been mixed. Algeria exited in the group stages of the last two editions (2021 and 2023) and are currently on a six-match drought at the finals without a win.
Coach Vladimir Petković has emphasized the importance of a strong start, describing the opening match as “difficult but crucial,” and underlining his confidence in the squad’s preparation.
Veteran star Riyad Mahrez is expected to lead the Algerian front, bringing experience and attacking threat as the team looks to rediscover its winning rhythm.
Sudan: Resilience Behind Their Return
For Sudan, qualifying for AFCON 2025 has been a story of resilience and hope for a nation afflicted by long-running conflict.
Under Ghanaian head coach James Kwesi Appiah, the Sudanese team has persevered despite severe challenges, including a halted domestic league and playing qualifying fixtures away from home.
Their participation in Morocco is more than just a sporting campaign — it represents unity and a rare source of national pride during tumultuous times.
Although Sudan’s recent AFCON performances have been modest (only one win in their last 16 matches), the squad’s determination has endeared them to neutral fans across the continent.
Match Atmosphere and What’s at Stake
The clash in Rabat promises to be competitive and emotionally charged.
For Algeria, opening with a win would help put to rest concerns over their recent continental struggles and set the tone for progression in a competitive Group E. For Sudan, a strong performance — even without victory — would be a statement of intent and a significant morale boost.
Fans throughout Africa are expected to tune in, with broadcast coverage available on major platforms including beIN Sports 1 and selected national broadcasters.
Looking Ahead
The group stage will continue beyond this match, with Algeria and Sudan both eyeing qualification to the knockout rounds — a goal that will demand consistency and strong performances against Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea in subsequent fixtures.
Whether history will be made with a surprise result or a measured start remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: this long-awaited AFCON meeting adds a compelling chapter to the continent’s rich tapestry of football rivalries.
