Algeria vs Sudan (3:0): Africa Cup of Nations 24/12/2025

December 24, 2025

Status: Finished

3-0

Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria

Sudan

One of the pre-tournament favourites Algeria open their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign against underdogs Sudan in a Group E clash that could set the tone for both sides.

The match kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Christmas Eve at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, with a capacity of 22,000. Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho will officiate the encounter – known for a disciplined approach, averaging around 4 yellow cards per game in recent international fixtures. This is the opening group stage fixture in the 2025 AFCON, hosted across Morocco, where Algeria aim to avoid another early exit after recent disappointments.

BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS

Algeria enter as heavy favourites, but their tendency to start slowly in major tournaments warrants caution. Sudan have shown defensive resilience despite poor recent form, often frustrating stronger sides before conceding late. Algeria vs Sudan prediction today points to a controlled win for the Desert Warriors, though not necessarily a high-scoring affair given both teams’ recent low-goal trends. Expect Algeria to dominate possession while Sudan look to counter or hold firm in the first half. Value lies in backing a clean-sheet victory rather than chasing inflated handicaps.

Algeria Results

Algeria have maintained an impressive unbeaten run in regular time over the past year, blending solid defence with clinical finishing in most outings. Their preparations included mixed results in the Arab Cup, but competitive form remains strong. Vladimir Petković’s side often secure convincing margins when clicking.

Algeria have won three of their last five matches outright, with two of those victories by multiple goals. Their defence has been particularly stout in away or neutral venues, conceding just once in the last four games excluding penalties. The goalless draw against Sudan earlier this month highlights their occasional struggle to break down packed defences. However, when they do score first, results tend to open up significantly. This form suggests they are primed for a strong tournament start despite the recent shootout setback.

Sudan Results

Sudan qualified heroically amid challenging circumstances but arrive with limited momentum, securing just one win in recent months. Their grit is undeniable, yet offensive struggles persist against organised sides. James Kwesi Appiah’s team will prioritise organisation and fight.

Sudan have claimed only one victory in their last five outings, with that coming against weaker opposition. They have failed to score in three of these games, underscoring attacking woes. Defensive lapses have cost them in open exchanges, conceding multiple goals twice recently. The draw against Algeria shows capability to frustrate top teams, but sustaining it for 90 minutes against superior talent remains doubtful. Their lone win provides a morale boost, yet overall trends point to vulnerability.

Who will win Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations clash between Algeria and Sudan?

Algeria > Draw > Sudan >

Algeria

70%

Draw

25%

Sudan

5%

Algeria vs Sudan Head-to-Head

Historical encounters between these nations have been competitive, with Algeria holding a slight edge in recent years despite Sudan’s occasional upsets. The most recent meeting was a cagey affair, typical of their balanced record.

Algeria have won three of the last five H2H clashes, often convincingly when victorious, while Sudan claimed a surprise result in qualifiers. Recent games trend low-scoring, with three of five producing under 2.5 goals, including the latest stalemate.

Algeria vs Sudan Predicted Starting Lineups

Lineups are subject to last-minute changes due to tactical decisions, fitness checks, or minor issues, but based on recent training reports, team news, and expert predictions ahead of this AFCON 2025 Group E opener, here are the most likely starting XIs for both sides. Note that Houssem Aouar is confirmed ruled out for Algeria due to injury, which may force a slight adjustment in midfield creativity.

Algeria possible starting lineup

Zidane (GK); Belghali (DF), Mandi (DF), Belaid (DF), Ait-Nouri (DF); Bennacer (MF), Zerrouki (MF); Mahrez (MF), Moussa (MF), Chaibi (FW); Bounedjah (FW)

Sudan possible starting lineup

Abooja (GK); Awad (DF), Ering (DF), Karshoum (DF), Tabanja (DF); Mozamil (MF), Taifour (MF), Khdir (MF), Raouf (MF); Mano (FW), Abdelrahman (FW)

Key Factors and Team News

Algeria boast superior squad depth and experience, but must overcome historical group-stage hurdles. Sudan rely on collective spirit amid adversity, yet face an uphill battle. Several elements could influence the outcome decisively.

Algeria’s preparations have been positive overall, though recent tournament exits add pressure. Sudan’s qualification was a triumph against the odds, but form has dipped. Both sides enter motivated for a winning start.

• Algeria’s 16-match unbeaten run in 90 minutes offers huge confidence, with 13 of their last 14 wins by 2+ goals;
• Sudan have failed to score in eight of their last 11 games and in their last three AFCON openers;
• Key absence: Houssem Aouar withdrawn from Algeria squad due to training injury; no major fresh concerns for Sudan;
• Riyad Mahrez in fine form with four goal contributions in last three caps; likely to exploit Sudan’s flanks;
• Only one of Algeria’s last 12 goals came before the 30th minute – expect a patient build-up;
• Three of Sudan’s last four games saw a red card, highlighting disciplinary risks;
• Neutral venue in Rabat favours Algeria’s quality over any home advantage;
• Referee Pierre Atcho averages over 4 yellows per game – potential for cards if Sudan frustrate early.

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Free Tips on Algeria vs Sudan

Before placing any bets on this AFCON 2025 Group E opener, savvy punters always dive into historical data and contextual factors to spot value opportunities. Statistics from previous encounters and recent performances reveal patterns in scoring, discipline, and dominance that directly apply to Algeria’s clash with Sudan. These free tips highlight overlooked elements that could influence the outcome beyond basic form guides.

• Head-to-Head Goal Trends: Recent meetings between Algeria and Sudan have been characteristically low-scoring, with three of the last five producing under 2.5 goals and an average of around 1 goal per game overall – favouring bets on unders in a match where Sudan often park the bus.
• Referee Card Habits: Gabonese official Pierre Atcho averages over 4 yellow cards per game in international fixtures, and with Sudan’s recent matches seeing frequent disciplinary issues (three red cards in their last four), expect a potentially card-heavy encounter if the underdogs frustrate early.
• Weather and Pitch Conditions: Mild December weather in Rabat (typically dry and cool around 15-18°C) combined with the stadium’s high-quality natural grass surface should suit Algeria’s technical, possession-based style, allowing smoother passing and reducing errors that might benefit Sudan’s counter-attacks.
• Recent Schedule Impact: Both teams come off the Arab Cup earlier this month with limited recovery time, but Algeria’s deeper squad rotation means less fatigue risk compared to Sudan, who may struggle with intensity in the second half after a congested fixture list.
• Tactical Matchup Insights: Algeria’s patient build-up against low blocks often leads to late goals (only one of their last 12 came before the 30th minute), while Sudan’s blunt attack has failed to score in eight of their last 11 games – pointing towards a second-half breakthrough rather than an early blitz.

Algeria vs Sudan Match Prediction 2025

Algeria are rightfully strong favourites to launch their AFCON 2025 challenge with a victory, backed by superior talent, unbeaten streak and historical dominance in decisive moments. While Sudan deserve respect for their qualification grit and recent H2H draw, their blunt attack and defensive fragility against top sides make an upset unlikely. Algeria vs Sudan odds heavily favour the Desert Warriors at around 1.40-1.50 for the win, reflecting a probable 70%+ chance. Expect Petković’s men to control proceedings, break the deadlock after halftime and secure a comfortable margin without overexerting – perhaps grinding out a clean sheet rather than a goal fest, given Sudan’s low scoring and Algeria’s cautious starts. Mahrez and co. should unlock the Falcons eventually, turning possession into points. This sets Algeria up nicely for group progression, while Sudan may need points elsewhere.

Our Prediction: Algeria 2-0 Sudan

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