Equatorial Guinea and Algeria wrapped up their Group E fixtures at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 with both sides heading into the match in very different situations. Equatorial Guinea had already been eliminated for the first time in their AFCON history and were looking to restore some pride. Algeria, however, had secured qualification and top spot before kick-off and simply needed to maintain momentum ahead of the knockout rounds. The match at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat ended 3–1 in favour of Algeria.
Algeria made a confident start and took control early. Their pressure was rewarded in the 20th minute when Hadj Moussa delivered a dangerous corner into the box. Zineddine Belaid rose highest and guided a precise header beyond goalkeeper Jesus Owono to open the scoring. Just six minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Fares Chaibi broke forward down the left, collected a well-timed pass from Ibrahim Maza, drove into the penalty area and finished calmly into the corner.
Equatorial Guinea struggled to contain the Algerian attack, and in the 32nd minute the third goal arrived. This time Hadj Moussa crossed from the right and Ibrahim Maza met the delivery powerfully with his head. The effort went through Owono and Algeria were firmly in control at half-time.
Equatorial Guinea started the second half with renewed determination and pulled a goal back almost immediately. Captain Emilio Nsue unleashed a superb long-range strike from outside the box that gave goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea no chance. Shortly afterwards, Nsue was presented with another opportunity, but this time Mandrea reacted quickly to block the effort.
Despite the setback, Algeria remained composed, controlled possession and managed the tempo of the match. Equatorial Guinea continued to work hard but were unable to create enough clear chances to threaten a comeback. Algeria comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to secure another victory and maintain their unbeaten run at the tournament.
Algeria finish Group E as leaders and now look ahead to a last-16 clash against DR Congo on 6 January 2026. Equatorial Guinea leave the competition earlier than ever before but will take pride in their spirited second-half performance.
