AFCON 2025 Match Preview: Sudan vs Burkina Faso
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage nears its conclusion, a high-stakes showdown looms in Group E. Sudan and Burkina Faso are set to face off at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium this Wednesday, with a direct spot in the knockout rounds on the line.
The two nations are currently neck-and-neck with three points each. However, the Stallions of Burkina Faso hold a slight edge in second place due to a superior goal difference, leaving the Falcons of Jediane (Sudan) in third and needing a decisive result to climb the standings.
Sudan
Sudan’s Africa Cup of Nations journey began on a low note with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Algeria. However, Kwesi Appiah’s side bounced back in their crucial second group match, securing a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea thanks to a second-half own goal.
This win marks a rare success for the Falcons of Jediane; it is only their second victory in 14 tournament matches since their 1970 title win, a period otherwise defined by nine defeats and three draws. Crucially, these three points keep Sudan’s hopes of automatic qualification alive as they prepare for their final group stage clash against Burkina Faso this Wednesday.
Burkina Faso
The Stallions saw their impressive run of six wins and a draw come to a halt following a narrow loss to Algeria in their second-to-last group fixture. Currently sitting second in Group E, Burkina Faso still holds the advantage over Sudan thanks to a better goal differential.
Their mission is clear: win on Wednesday to guarantee a spot in the knockout stages for the fourth tournament in a row, or risk the uncertainty of the “best third-placed” tiebreakers.
Head-to-Head
Sudan and Burkina Faso share a minimal competitive history, highlighted by just a single high-stakes encounter in recent memory.
Form Guide
Sudan form: W-D-L-L-L-W
Burkina Faso form: W-W-W-W-W-L
Team News
Both teams enter their crucial final group match with a clean bill of health, reporting no fresh injury concerns.
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Sudan’s squad receives a significant boost as Salaheldin Alhassan returns to contention following his one-match suspension. In goal, Monged Elneel is expected to retain his starting spot, rewarded for his solid display against Equatorial Guinea over the weekend.
Coach Traore may opt for continuity, rewarding the XI that faced Algeria for their solid start despite the narrow 1–0 defeat. Stability starts at the back: Herve Koffi is expected to retain his spot in goal, supported by a back four consisting of Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, and Kouassi.
Predicted Lineup
Sudan Starting XI: Elneel; Barglan, Saeed Ahmed, Karshom, Khamis; Khidir, Omer, Taifour; Abdallah, Eisa, Abdelrahman
Burkina Faso Starting XI: Koffi; Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi; Sangare, Ouedraogo, Zougrana; Traore, Kabore, Ouattara
Verdict: Despite Sudan’s resilient performance and narrow 1-0 victory against Equatorial Guinea, they face a significantly steeper challenge against a superior Burkina Faso side. The Burkinabes possess greater technical quality and depth, and with the added motivation of securing qualification for the next round, they are clear favorites. We expect their class to tell in a comfortable 2-0 win.
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