MATCH PREVIEW: Algeria v Sudan AFCON 2025
Algeria and Sudan meet in Group E of AFCON 2025 in Rabat on December 24. Algeria enter as favorites with a rich tournament pedigree, while Sudan aim to revive their historic legacy under new leadership. This clash will test Algeria’s attacking firepower against Sudan’s disciplined rebuild.
This Group E opener pits Algeria’s star-studded squad and continental ambitions against Sudan’s disciplined rebuild under Kwesi Appiah. Algeria will look to Mahrez’s creativity and Amoura’s pace to break down Sudan’s compact defense, while Sudan aim to frustrate and counter. Expect Algeria to dominate possession, but Sudan’s resilience could make this a tighter contest than expected.
Previous Meetings – Algeria vs Sudan
- 12 December 1980 – Algeria 2–0 Sudan (1982 World Cup Qualifiers)
- 28 December 1980 – Sudan 1–1 Algeria (1982 World Cup Qualifiers)
- 4 June 2006 – Algeria 1–0 Sudan (Friendly)
- 1 December 2021 – Algeria 4–0 Sudan (FIFA Arab Cup, group stage)
- CHAN 2025 Quarterfinal – Algeria 1-1 Sudan (Sudan won 4-2 on penalties)
Summary
Algeria have won three of the four meetings, with one draw. Their clash in 2021 saw Algeria dominate 4–0, showcasing the gulf in quality at the time. In the Quarterfinal of the CHAN 2025 tournament, the two sides played to a 1 all draw in regulation time with Sudan progressing via penalties.
🇩🇿 Algeria – The Desert Warriors
Team Strengths
- Balanced squad combining experienced stars and emerging talents.
- Strong attacking unit led by Riyad Mahrez, supported by pacey forwards like Mohamed Amoura.
- Tactical discipline under new coach Vladimir Petković, emphasizing structure and possession.
Previous AFCON Performance
- 20 appearances since debut in 1968.
- Two-time champions: 1990 (as hosts) and 2019 in Egypt.
- Runners-up in 1980, third place in 1984 and 1988.
- Recent struggles: group-stage exits in 2021 and 2023.
Players to Watch
- Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia) – Captain, creative winger, Algeria’s main attacking threat.
- Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen) – Young midfielder, dynamic presence.
- Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsbourg) – Clinical forward, adds pace and finishing.
Head Coach: Vladimir Petković
- Appointed in 2024, debut AFCON in Morocco 2025.
- Former Switzerland coach, led them at Euro 2016 and 2020.
- Known for tactical pragmatism and tournament experience, tasked with restoring Algeria’s continental dominance.
🇸🇩 Sudan – The Nile Crocodiles
Team Strengths
- Defensive organization and youthful energy, rebuilt under Kwesi Appiah.
- Focus on discipline, compact shape, and counter-attacks.
- Motivated by historic legacy as one of AFCON’s founding nations.
Previous AFCON Performance
- Champions in 1970 on home soil.
- Early powerhouse: finalists in 1959, semi-finalists in 1963 and 1972.
- Long decline after 1970, returning only in 2008 after decades away.
- Recent appearances: 2012, 2021, now 2025.
Players to Watch
- Mohamed Aboja (Goalkeeper) – Reliable shot-stopper.
- Mohamed Saeed Ahmed (Al Hilal Khartoum Defender) – Key in organizing Sudan’s backline.
- Mohammed Teya Abudegen (Al Merreikh Khartoum Forward,) – known primarily for his goal-scoring ability and his role as a wide attacker.
Head Coach: James Kwesi Appiah
- Ghanaian tactician, appointed in 2023.
- Former Ghana national team coach, led them at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
- Signed contract extension until 2028 after progress with Sudan.
- Known for instilling discipline, belief, and attacking identity.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Algeria 🇩🇿 | Sudan 🇸🇩 |
|---|---|---|
| AFCON Debut | 1968 | 1957 |
| Titles | 2 (1990, 2019) | 1 (1970) |
| Recent Form | Group-stage exits in 2021 & 2023 | Qualified after 2021, rebuilding |
| Playing Style | Structured, possession-based, attacking flair | Defensive discipline, counter-attacks |
| Key Players | Mahrez, Amoura, Maza | Aboja, Mohamed Saeed Ahmed, Mohammed Teya Abudegen |
| Head Coach | Vladimir Petković – experienced, pragmatic | Kwesi Appiah – disciplined, inspiring |
