Algeria completed a flawless 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group-stage campaign with a commanding 3–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat on Wednesday, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s standout sides.
Already assured of a place in the round of 16 after back-to-back wins against Burkina Faso and Sudan, the Desert Warriors showed no signs of easing off despite fielding a rotated squad. From the opening exchanges, Algeria dominated possession and tempo, pinning Equatorial Guinea back and asserting their superiority.
Their pressure paid off in the 19th minute when defender Zineddine Belaid opened the scoring with his first AFCON goal. Rising highest from an Anis Hadj Moussa corner, Belaid powered a header beyond the goalkeeper to give Algeria a deserved lead.
Just six minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Ibrahim Maza split the Equatorial Guinea defence with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing Fares Chaibi to unleash a fierce strike that flew into the back of the net. Algeria were in complete control, moving the ball with confidence and precision.
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The third goal arrived in the 32nd minute and was the product of another slick team play. A patient passing move ended with Hadj Moussa delivering another inch-perfect cross, which the 20-year-old Maza met with a composed header to make it 3–0 before the interval.
Equatorial Guinea emerged with renewed intent after the break and were rewarded in the 50th minute through Emilio Nsue. The tournament’s top scorer at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast produced a moment of brilliance, controlling the ball outside the box before firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. It was Algeria’s first goal conceded at this tournament and briefly gave Juan Micha’s side hope.
Buoyed by the strike, Equatorial Guinea enjoyed more possession in the second half and fashioned a handful of opportunities. However, a lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly, and Algeria’s disciplined defence ensured there would be no further damage.
The final whistle confirmed a perfect group-stage record for Algeria, who finished with maximum points and considerable momentum heading into the knockout phase. For Equatorial Guinea, the defeat sealed a disappointing exit, ending their AFCON 2025 campaign without a single point.
Algeria will now turn their attention to the round of 16, where they are set to face DR Congo on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, as they continue their quest for continental glory.
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