AFCON 2025: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Both nations are desperate for points after suffering defeats in their opening matches of the tournament, making this second round of group stage games a must-win situation for their knockout stage ambitions.

Equatorial Guinea enter this fixture following a heartbreaking 2-1 loss against Burkina Faso in their opening game. 

The Nzalang Nacional took the lead through Basilio Ndong, but they ultimately crumbled in the final moments as Burkina Faso scored twice in stoppage time to steal the victory. 

Before the tournament, the form of Equatorial Guinea was inconsistent, featuring a 1-0 win over Kenya and a 2-0 defeat against Madagascar. 

They currently sit in third place in the group and know that anything less than a victory here could leave them on the brink of an early exit.

Sudan, on the other hand, are reeling from a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of Algeria last Wednesday. The Falcons of Jediane struggled to contain the clinical attacking play of the Fennec Foxes. 

This loss followed a difficult run in the FIFA Arab Cup, where they suffered defeats against Bahrain and Iraq. 

They will be concerned by the lack of offensive output from his side, as Sudan have now failed to score in three of their last five matches across all competitions. 

They must find a way to penetrate the defence of Equatorial Guinea to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

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The head-to-head record between these two sides heavily favours Equatorial Guinea. In their last two competitive meetings, which both took place during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification phase, Equatorial Guinea recorded two victories. 

The most recent clash ended in a dominant 4-1 away win for the Nzalang Nacional, while they also secured a 1-0 win in the home fixture. Sudan have never defeated Equatorial Guinea in a senior international match.

Equatorial Guinea appear to have a relatively clean bill of health following their opener, but they have a player suspended for the next game.

Basilio Ndong received a red card in the opening game following a dangerous foul and he is expected to miss the second game of the group.

Sudan, meanwhile, will be without Salaheldin Alhassan due to suspension issues after receiving a red card against Algeria. 

Mohamed Abuaagla and Abobaker Eisa suffered an injury in the last game and would require late fitness ahead of the game.

Equatorial Guinea (4-2-3-1): Owono; Akapo, Obiang, Coco, Ondo; Mascarell, Balboa; Salvador, Ganet, Miranda; Nsue

Sudan (4-3-3): El Neel; Awad, Karshom, Ereng, Khamis; Adil, Abdalla, Taifour; Eisa, Omer, Eisa M.

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Equatorial Guinea have shown much better organisation and attacking intent in their recent outings compared to a Sudan side that is currently struggling for goals. 

Sudan have lacked creativity in the final third, and it is difficult to see them breaking down a disciplined Equatorial Guinea unit.

Equatorial Guinea has a perfect record in this match, so we are backing the home side to secure a narrow victory.