AFCON 2025: Algeria’s title credentials face first test against fearless Sudan
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Sudan seek repeat of CHAN heroics at AFCON 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has largely gone according to expectation so far, with the frontrunners such as Morocco, Egypt, Senegal and Nigeria confirming our AFCON 2025 predictions by taking three points from their opening matches in their respective groups.
Tonight, Algeria will be looking to follow suit when they face Sudan at Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat. The Desert Foxes are not just the favourites to top Group E in this competition, but are strongly fancied to go all the way to lift the title this year, and are expected to make a winning start here, according to our expert's Algeria vs Sudan prediction.
Vladimir Petkovic’s side has enjoyed a resurgence over the past couple of years since their dismal showing in the Ivory Coast in 2023. They qualified for this competition unbeaten with five wins and a draw, and were the second-highest scoring team in qualifying with 16 goals while conceding just two.
Les Fennecs were also excellent during the CAF World Cup qualifiers, where they booked their spot in the global spectacle in North America next year by topping Group G with 24 points (W8 D1 L1), scoring 24 goals, which was again the second-most of any participating nation.
However, despite Algeria’s impressive performances of late, Sudan will enter this match with quiet confidence. Indeed, while this is the first AFCON clash between these sides, this is the third time this year that they will cross paths, and Sudan avoided defeat in both previous encounters.
The Falcons of Jediane pulled off a stunning upset to eliminate the Greens from the CAF African Nations Championship in August 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. They also met earlier this month at the FIFA Arab Cup, and Sudan held Algeria to a goalless draw.
Still, repeating those performances will not be an easy task for James Appiah’s side, given their historic record at the Africa Cup of Nations. Sudan have not tasted victory at Africa’s premier tournament since 2012 and have only won two opening matches in nine appearances in the competition.
Algeria vs Sudan: Key Players in Group E opener
The Algerian squad is one of the most formidable on paper, dripping with international talent from back to front, but the main man in their attack remains Riyad Mahrez, who was the hero of their 2019 AFCON title surge. Don’t forget, you can keep up with all the action via our AFCON 2025 livescores.
The 34-year-old winger will likely be joined in attack by fellow veteran Baghdad Bounedjah, who brings a physical presence, while Anis Hadj Moussa and Houssem Aouar are expected to provide the ball-carrying and link-up play from the central areas.
One player that many Algerian fans are expecting to light up AFCON this year is Mohamed Amoura, who was the top scorer across all of Africa during World Cup Qualifying (CAF) with 10 goals, and he was also on the scoresheet in a warm-up match against Zimbabwe last month.
Given the attacking firepower the Desert Foxes possess, Sudan are likely to adopt a pragmatic approach here by setting up a low block, absorbing pressure, slowing the game whenever possible and looking to play on the counter while making the most of set-pieces.
Mohamed Elnour Abooja will have to be at his best in goal, while Ammar Tayfour and Waliedin Khidhir operating in the double-pivot have to remain disciplined and provide an added layer of cover for their back four against the Foxes’ star-studded attack.
At set-pieces, which is arguably the Falcons of Jediane’s best chance of scoring, Mohamed Abdelrahman provides the team with a target man, and he will also be key to holding up play and releasing the likes of John Mano on the counterattack.
