2025 AFCON Group E: Algeria seeking revenge?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Algeria: The Desert Foxes seeking redemption
After coming short in the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN), Algeria has its sights set on the 2025 AFCON, where it seeks redemption.
In this tournament, the Desert Foxes not only seek redemption but also to restore their pride. The East African giants have been behind disappointing results over the past editions, such as failing to progress beyond the group stages in 2021 and, most recently, 2023.
Vladimir Petkovic's charges are out to turn those disappointments into motivation for success. In the qualifying campaign, they were nothing short of impressive, maintaining a six-match unbeaten run in which they recorded five wins and a solitary draw to top Group E.
Algeria is no stranger to this competition as they are making their 20th appearance. They have been crowned champions twice in 1990 and 2019.
Check out their record in the AFCON finals:
- Matches played: 80
- Wins: 28
- Draws: 24
- Losses: 28
- Goals scored: 97
- Goals conceded: 93
For the East African giant progressing beyond the group stage, this time around, is non-negotiable, as anything other than that would be considered a failure.
Burkina Faso: Can the West African Nation exceed expectations?
Burkina Faso, ranked 62nd in FIFA Rankings, have been a consistent participant in the AFCON. Expectations are leaning towards them finishing as runners-up in Group E. However, the top spot would also be a huge achievement for them.
The Stallions are making their 13th appearance in this competition after finishing as runners-up in Group L of the qualifying campaign. The group included the likes of Senegal, Malawi, and Burundi.
Burkina Faso have yet to be crowned champions, but their best performance in this competition came in 2013 when they finished as runners-up after being eliminated by Nigeria in the finals.
In the previous edition, they finished second in Group D with four points. Surprisingly, the group included Algeria, which finished at the bottom of the table. Thanks to that feat, they advanced to the knockout stages, but their journey was cut short after a 2-1 defeat to Mali in the Round of 16.
Strengths:
- Tactical versatility.
- Tournament mentality and experience.
Weakness:
- Inconsistent finishing.
- Reliance on counterattacks.
Equatorial Guinea: Nzalang Nacional is aiming to build on their consistent performance
Equatorial Guinea must not be overlooked in Group E of the 2025 AFCON, as this is a nation that has exceeded expectations in every edition they've participated in.
The Nzalang Nacional have made four appearances in this competition, and they've reached the knockout stages in each of those outings. Their best run came in 2015 when they reached the semi-finals.
In the previous edition, they came out on top in Group A, which included Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, and Guinea-Bissau, to reach the knockout stages. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by Guinea in the Round of 16, losing 1-0.
Strengths:
- Tournament pedigree.
- Defensive and tactical resilience.
Weakness:
- Lower squad quality.
- Lack of attacking output.
Sudan: Are the Falcons of Jediane surprise packages?
Sudan are making their return to the AFCON after failing to qualify for the 2021 edition. Despite being the lowest-ranked nation in Group E of the current edition, this is a nation that has a tournament pedigree.
The Falcons of Jediane are one-time champions, having lifted the prestigious silverware in 1970. Also, this marks their tenth appearance in this competition.
Regarding how they got here, James Kwesi Appiah's charges finished second in Group F of the qualifying campaign. The objective is simple heading into the current edition, and that's to compete fiercely and showcase their resilience.
Strengths:
- Tactical organization.
- Team mentality and spirit.
Weakness:
- Inconsistent performances.
- Lack of attacking output.
