Algeria and Sudan Square Off in AFCON Opener
The excitement builds as Algeria prepares to face Sudan on December 24, 2025, marking the commencement of Group E in the Africa Cup of Nations at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Both teams are vying for crucial early points, setting the stage for a fascinating encounter.
🏠 Algeria: Recent Performances
FIFA Ranking: 34th
Last Five Matches: WDWWL
With hopes high after a commendable campaign in the Arab Cup, Algeria aims to kickstart their AFCON journey with a strong performance. Despite a heart-breaking exit in the quarterfinals against the UAE, losing 6-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, the team secured notable victories against Bahrain (5-1) and Iraq (2-0) previously. Their recent form includes three wins, one loss, and one draw, showcasing their competitive edge.
Algeria has successfully qualified for the World Cup, marking their fifth appearance and first since 2014, propelled by standout performances from key players like Riyad Mahrez and Amoura throughout the qualifiers.
🏁 Algeria: Expected Team Lineup
Coach Vladimir Petkovic has emphasized the importance of not underestimating any opponent, particularly highlighting Sudan’s vibrancy. Although Algeria has struggled in recent AFCON finals, they went unbeaten in their qualifiers. Houssem Aouar remains sidelined due to a groin injury, returning to Al Ittihad for treatment.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Nouri, Belaid, Mandi, Belghali; Zerrouki, Bennacer; Aouar, Moussa, Mahrez; Bounedjah
Head Coach: Vladimir Petkovic
Out: Injured – Houssem Aouar
✈️ Sudan: Recent Performances
Last Five Matches: DWDLL
FIFA Ranking: 117th
The Sudanese team faced challenges in the Arab Cup, claiming only one victory out of four matches, including losses to Iraq and Bahrain. Their World Cup qualifying campaign also fell short, with just one point accrued after a series of defeats against teams such as Senegal and Togo.
Currently positioned at 117th in the FIFA rankings, Sudan is seen as the underdog in this match, despite their recent resilience in encounters against Algeria, having gone unbeaten in their last two meetings.
🏁 Sudan: Expected Team Lineup
Determined to succeed despite adversity, Coach Kwesi Appiah remains optimistic about his team’s chances to progress beyond the group stage, acknowledging the challenges posed by ongoing civil unrest affecting team dynamics.
Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Abooja; Yousif, Karshoun, Saeed Ahmed, Zayed; Omer, Khidir, Taifour, Mozamil; Rahman, Robia
Head Coach: James Kwesi Appiah
Out: Nil
🤝 Head-to-Head Statistics
In their last three encounters, both teams have secured a victory each, with one match ending in a draw. Notably, Sudan has managed to avoid defeat in their last two meetings with Algeria in previous competitions.
📈 Betting Trends
Low Scoring Outcome: The previous two matches between Algeria and Sudan resulted in low-scoring (under 2.5 goals). Bet on these odds at 1xbet.
Possibility of a Draw: The likelihood of a tie, which has occurred in past encounters, is supported by odds from Bet365.
Algeria to Score: Algeria is expected to find the back of the net, with odds of 1.14 from 1xbet.
🎯 Match Prediction for December 24, 2025
The preceding matches between the two sides have been fiercely competitive, and this fixture promises to follow suit. Despite Sudan’s defensive capabilities, scoring may prove difficult. As the tournament commences in Rabat, where home advantage is neutralized, predictions lean towards an Algeria win, fewer than three goals, and no both teams scoring.
Key Predictions:
Under 2.5 Goals at 1.76 odds from Betway
Algeria to win and under 2.5 goals at 2.84 odds from 1xbet
Algeria to win with BTTS-NO at 1.97 odds from BC.game
