Algeria closed out their Group E campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in commanding fashion, cruising to a 3–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, December 31, to finish the group stage with a flawless record.
The Desert Foxes were in control from start to finish, combining composure, intensity and precision to underline their status as one of the tournament’s standout sides.
The victory sealed top spot in the group and sent a clear warning to the rest of the competition.
From the opening whistle, Algeria dictated the tempo. Calm in possession, sharp in transition and relentless in their pressing, Vladimir Petković’s side dominated every phase of the contest against an overmatched Equatorial Guinea outfit.
Their superiority finally told in the 22nd minute when Zineddine Belaïd rose highest from a perfectly delivered corner to power home a header and break the deadlock.
That goal opened the floodgates. Fares Chaïbi doubled the advantage with a brilliant individual effort, driving forward before finishing with authority to put Algeria firmly in control.
Before the interval, Ibrahim Maza added a third, heading in after another lapse in the Equatorial Guinea defence, effectively settling the contest by half-time.
Equatorial Guinea briefly threatened a response when Emilio Nsue pulled one back, capitalising on a rare Algerian lapse to make it 3–1. However, it proved no more than a consolation.
Algeria remained composed, managing the game with maturity and slowing the tempo when required as they comfortably saw out the result.
The win sees Algeria finish Group E with a perfect nine points, an impressive goal difference and growing momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
For Equatorial Guinea, the campaign ends without a point and with lessons to take forward. For Algeria, the march continues—confident, convincing and firmly among the AFCON 2025 title contenders.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
