Sudan vs Burkina Faso: Final Day Battle for Second Spot in Group E

by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga

image Sudan vs Burkina Faso: Final Day Battle for Second Spot in Group E
With Algeria already through to the knockout stages, the real drama in Group E comes down to this clash between Sudan and Burkina Faso. Both teams sit on three points heading into the final matchday, making this a straight shootout for the second automatic qualification spot. Let's break down what's at stake at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

Sudan's Historic Win Keeps AFCON Dreams Alive

Sudan travelled to Morocco as underdogs and opened their campaign with a brutal 3-0 defeat to Algeria on the opening day. But the Falcons of Jediane responded in spectacular fashion against Equatorial Guinea, securing a 1-0 victory courtesy of an own goal from Saul Coco in the 74th minute. It was only their second win in 14 AFCON matches since their 1970 triumph on home soil.

Interestingly, that result keeps Kwesi Appiah's side firmly in contention for automatic qualification. The former Ghana coach knows exactly what it takes to navigate high-pressure AFCON encounters, and his tactical discipline has kept Sudan organised despite limited resources. While Sudan is already guaranteed a third-place slot as it stands, a win against Burkina Faso would get them to second place, and possibly a better matchup, according to the AFCON betting odds.

But doing so will likely require Mohamed Eisa to step up for Sudan. The forward, currently plying his trade in Thailand with Uthai Thani FC, has been in outstanding form with nine goals and three assists in 16 games this season. Described by his former Exeter coach, Gary Caldwell, as having "fantastic movement in and around the box," Eisa brings dynamism to the Sudan squad, which is crucial even without goals or assists to his name.

Interestingly, Sudan has history on their side here. Their only previous AFCON meeting against Burkina Faso came in 2012, when Mudhather Karika's brace secured a 2-1 victory. It's a result Appiah's men will be eager to replicate.

The Stallions Must Bounce Back After Algeria Setback

Burkina Faso came into the tournament riding a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including six victories. But that run came crashing down against Algeria, where a Riyad Mahrez penalty stole the win in a well-contested 1-0 defeat.

What makes the Stallions dangerous is their never-say-die attitude, demonstrated perfectly in their opening AFCON 2025 fixture against Equatorial Guinea. Trailing 1-0 in the 85th minute against ten men, Burkina Faso produced an extraordinary late comeback with goals from Georgi Minoungou and Edmond Tapsoba in the 95th and 98th minutes, respectively.

What’s more, Burkina boast considerable firepower from Europe's top leagues. Dango Ouattara headlines the attack after becoming Brentford's record signing for £42 million. The forward has three Premier League goals this season and has won four penalties, the most of any player in the division. His pace and directness down the flanks will test Sudan's defensive resolve, one that’s been notably weak in recent outings.

In defence is Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba to marshal the backline with composure, while Hervé Koffi, who is among the best Ligue 1 goalies this season, mans the post. Bertrand Traoré adds experience and guile from his Sunderland stint, and left-back Arsène Kouassi has emerged as one of the tournament's breakout performers after an impressive season with Lorient. The understanding between Kouassi and Ouattara on that left side could cause Sudan significant problems.