Sudan boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in a crucial Group E clash played in Casablanca on Sunday.
Both teams entered the match under pressure, having lost their opening group games. Sudan were coming off a heavy 3-0 defeat to Algeria, while Equatorial Guinea had suffered a 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso, making the encounter a must-win for both sides.
Equatorial Guinea enjoyed the better start to the game, dominating possession and creating several chances in the first half. However, they failed to make their advantage count, as Sudan defended resolutely and kept the score level going into the break.
The pattern remained the same after halftime, with Equatorial Guinea pushing forward and Sudan staying compact at the back. The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Equatorial Guinea defender Saúl Coco accidentally turned the ball into his own net under pressure, handing Sudan a valuable lead.
Following the setback, Equatorial Guinea increased the tempo and threw more players forward in search of an equaliser. Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Sudan’s defence held firm to secure all three points at the final whistle.
The win moves Sudan up to third place in Group E with three points, keeping their hopes of qualification alive. Equatorial Guinea, however, remain bottom of the group without a point.
Sudan will face Burkina Faso in their final group match on Wednesday, while Equatorial Guinea take on group favourites Algeria as they look to end their campaign on a positive note.
