Algeria maintained their perfect start to AFCON 2025 by defeating Equatorial Guinea 3-1, sending the National Thunder home without a single point.
Algeria concluded their Group E campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Moulay Hassan.
The Fennecs established total dominance within the first half-hour, scoring three goals through Zinéddine Belaïd, Farès Chaïbi, and 20-year-old Ibrahim Maza.
The result ensures Algeria joins Nigeria as the only teams to finish the group stage with a perfect record, marking their most successful opening phase since their 2019 title win.
In contrast, the “National Thunder” endured a historic collapse, losing all three group matches for the first time in five tournament appearances.
Despite a spirited start to the second half where veteran Emilio Nsue pulled a goal back with a “superb strike” into the top-left corner, Equatorial Guinea could not mount a full recovery.
Their exit marks the end of a disappointing campaign that saw the side extend their continental losing streak to four matches.
Algeria now turns their attention to the knockout stages, where they are scheduled to return to Rabat on January 6 for a Round of 16 encounter against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The North African side looks formidable as they head into the brackets, bolstered by the creative form of Anis Hadj-Moussa, who provided two assists during Wednesday’s win.
As the report noted, “The Fennecs will return to the Stade Moulay Hassan on 6 January to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”