Sudan reignited their chances of advancing to the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after battling to a crucial 1–0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in their second Group E match in Casablanca on Sunday.
Both teams entered the encounter under pressure after losing their opening fixtures, with Sudan recovering from a disappointing 3–0 defeat to Algeria and Equatorial Guinea seeking redemption following their 2–1 loss to Burkina Faso.
Equatorial Guinea dominated much of the first half, enjoying superior possession and carving out clearer openings, but failed to turn their control into goals. Sudan, meanwhile, maintained a compact defensive shape, showing discipline and determination to keep the scores level at halftime.
The intensity carried into the second half as Equatorial Guinea continued to push forward, but it was Sudan who found the breakthrough in the 74th minute. Under mounting pressure inside the box, defender Saúl Coco inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting Sudan a priceless advantage.
Equatorial Guinea launched a late surge in search of an equaliser, but Sudan’s resilient backline held firm to secure their first points of the tournament.
The result lifts Sudan to third place in Group E with three points, breathing new life into their qualification hopes. Equatorial Guinea remain bottom without a point and must now defeat Algeria in their final group game to stand any chance of survival.
Sudan will next face Burkina Faso in a decisive clash, while Equatorial Guinea meet group favourites Algeria as they fight to restore pride.
