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Algeria and Equatorial Guinea will clash the final matchday of the group stages at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, the duel together two sides whose journeys have already taken very different paths.
On one side stand Les Fennecs, already assured of a place in the Round of 16 and seeking to underline their credentials as genuine title contenders. On the other, a Nzalang Nacionaloutfit that is mathematically eliminated, yet determined to bow out of the tournament with pride and purpose.
The Equatoguineans have suffered two defeats in Group E against Burkina Faso and Sudan, their defensive frailties exposed and attacking fluency hard to come by. Concerns have also emerged over the fitness of Pedro Obiang and Santiago Eneme, both forced off injured against Sudan.
Their potential absence would further weaken a side already searching for balance and confidence.
“We know qualification is no longer possible, but this match is about our dignity. We want to show a different face and give something back to our supporters,” Equatorial Guinea head coach Juan Micha told reporters ahead of the game.
It is a message driven by pride and resilience, as his team looks to lean on discipline, commitment, and collective effort against one of the tournament favorites.
Algeria, by contrast, have progressed with composure and authority. Two wins, six points, and qualification secured; the job has been done. Attention now turns to sealing top spot in the group while carefully managing the squad.
“Being qualified does not mean we take our foot off the pedal. Every match at AFCON matters. We want to finish first and keep our momentum,” Algeria’s head coach Vladimir Petkovic warned.
The fixture could also provide an opportunity for rotation, allowing key players to rest while others stake their claim. That said, the Fennecs will be without Samir Chergui and JaouenHadjam, both ruled out after picking up injuries against Burkina Faso. The coach remainsoptimistic, with hopes of having the duo available again for the knockout phase.
On paper, the gap in confidence and control is clear. Yet Equatorial Guinea, playing without pressure, may find a sense of freedom.
“When you have nothing to lose, you can surprise,” admitted Esteban Orozco, one of the senior figures in the Nzalang Nacional squad. Still, against an Algeria side that is well-organized, experienced, and brimming with belief, an upset would be a tall order.
For Algeria, the objective is straightforward: stay focused, avoid injuries, and send a strong message to the rest of the competition.
“We want to show that Algeria is ready to go far,” summed up defender Rayan Ait Nouri, speaking ahead of the duel.
What Was Said:
Vladimir Petkovic (Algeria Head Coach):
“Up to now, everything has gone according to plan. We want to conclude this group stage with another victory. Equatorial Guinea remain a dangerous team, capable of raising their level at any moment. It is up to us to stay focused and vigilant from the first minute to the last.”
Juan Micha (Equatorial Guinea Head Coach):
“Algeria have shown at this AFCON that they are a formidable team. Their group-stage victories have made a strong impression. On our side, we want to prove that we are capable of competing with one of the continent’s heavyweights.”
