Algeria and Sudan will face off in Rabat on Wednesday afternoon as Group E of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 takes shape. Although this is their first meeting at an AFCON finals, the two sides share a history that adds depth and context to the clash.
The two nations have met eight times previously, with Algeria unbeaten in open play, recording four wins and four draws. Recent encounters have continued the trend of close contests: a 1–1 draw in the 2023 African Nations Championship quarter-finals saw Sudan advance on penalties, while a goalless draw in the 2023 FIFA Arab Cup left Algeria to progress.
At the 2021 Arab Cup, Algeria defeated Sudan 4–0 on their way to lifting the trophy, underscoring the Desert Foxes’ ability to convert dominance into silverware.
Algeria make their 21st AFCON appearance and return to a North African host where they have historically performed well. Champions in 1990 and 2019, and runners-up in 1980, they arrive after a six-match winless streak at the finals and three group-stage exits in their last four tournaments.
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Despite recent challenges, Algeria remain unbeaten in their last five AFCON opening matches and are three goals shy of 100 goals scored in the competition. Riyad Mahrez, joint top AFCON scorer for the nation, is set for his sixth finals, while head coach Vladimir Petković brings experience from UEFA Euro 2020. Algeria topped their qualifying group with 16 goals scored and just two conceded.
Sudan return to AFCON for the first time since 2021, carrying a legacy that dates back to the tournament’s origins. Winners in 1970 and participants in the inaugural 1957 edition, Sudan have struggled in recent years, winning just one of their last 16 AFCON matches and failing to score in their opening game at the last three tournaments.
The Sudanese side, however, arrive under the guidance of Kwesi Appiah, who takes charge at his third AFCON finals and has lost just once in open play as a head coach at the tournament. Qualification was achieved through narrow margins, with four goals shared among four players.
Wednesday’s clash promises to be a competitive encounter, as Algeria seek to reset their AFCON fortunes and Sudan aim to challenge a historically dominant opponent.
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