Equatorial Guinea will host Group E leaders Algeria on Wednesday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, as the final group stage match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches. While Algeria have already secured progression to the round of 16, the stakes are far higher for the Nzalang Nacional, who require a win and favourable results elsewhere to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Match Preview
Equatorial Guinea’s AFCON campaign has been fraught with frustration. Their 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso on 24 December saw Marvin Anieboh give them a brief lead before two stoppage-time goals snatched the win away. The disappointment continued on Sunday against Sudan, where a second-half own goal by defender Saul Coco condemned them to a 1-0 loss.
These back-to-back defeats have left Equatorial Guinea bottom of Group E with zero points. To progress as either direct qualifiers or one of the best third-placed teams, Juan Micha’s men must overcome Algeria while hoping to improve an inferior goal difference. Historically, the West Africans’ standout AFCON achievement remains their 2015 semi-final finish as hosts, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge they now face.
Recent form has mirrored their inconsistency. A 2-0 loss to Madagascar in November followed by a narrow 1-0 friendly win over Kenya shows the team capable of glimpses of quality, but struggling for sustained results. Across their last six competitive matches, Equatorial Guinea have scored just three goals and conceded seven, a statistic that underlines the attacking efficiency they will need against Algeria.
Algeria arrive for the group decider as confirmed group leaders, having secured six points from two wins. Their campaign began with a 3-0 victory over Sudan, with Riyad Mahrez scoring twice and Ibrahim Maza adding a third. A 1-0 win against Burkina Faso, courtesy of a Mahrez penalty, confirmed their place in the knockout stages.
Under Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria have demonstrated tactical flexibility and composure, capable of winning both high-scoring and tightly contested games. Mahrez continues to be the focal point of their attack, extending his AFCON scoring record to nine goals, while midfielders Ismael Bennacer and Rayan Ait-Nouri provide creativity and balance.
Equatorial Guinea have historically had limited encounters with Algeria, with notable results including a 1-0 AFCON 2021 win and a 2-0 defeat in Belgaid. Their 0-0 draw in 2025 AFCON qualifying adds intrigue to the matchup, as they will look to replicate past success in Rabat.
Recent Form
Equatorial Guinea AFCON form: L L
Equatorial Guinea (all competitions): L D W L L L
Algeria AFCON form: W W
Algeria (all competitions): D W W L W W
Team News
Juan Micha faces selection dilemmas as Equatorial Guinea look to field their strongest lineup. Veteran captain Emilio Nsue could return to the starting XI to provide experience upfront, potentially replacing Loren Zuniga. Injuries to Santiago Eneme and Pedro Obiang may see Pablo Ganet and Josete Miranda drafted into midfield and attack, while suspended Basilio Ndong remains unavailable.
Algeria, with qualification and top spot secured, are expected to rotate. Jaouen Hadjam and Samir Chergui are being monitored for fitness, while Adil Boulbina could earn a start. Anthony Mandrea may replace Luca Zidane in goal, and midfielders Ramiz Zerrouki, Fares Chaibi, and winger Anis Hadj Moussa could be introduced to freshen the squad.
Possible Starting Lineups
Equatorial Guinea:
Owono; Akapo, Orozco, Coco, Anieboh; Mascarell, Ganet, Machin; Salvador, Miranda, Nsue
Algeria:
Mandrea; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Zerrouki, Boulbina, Chaibi; Moussa, Amoura, Bounedjah
Prediction
Equatorial Guinea 2-2 Algeria
Equatorial Guinea will fight for survival, while Algeria may rotate but remain a technically superior side. Expect an open, end-to-end encounter, with the Nzalang Nacional pushing for a historic result and the Desert Warriors fielding a mix of rotation and experience. A high-scoring draw seems a likely outcome as both sides look to make an impact in the final group game.
