By Eniola Olatunji

 

Africa ushered in the New Year with dazzling football action as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group-stage drama peaked on New Year’s Eve, highlighted by a dominant display from Algeria and a composed victory by Burkina Faso in Group E.

 

In Rabat, Morocco, the Desert Foxes of Algeria showcased their pedigree with a commanding 3–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea. The night began with a moment of class in the 19th minute when defender Belaid, likened to a chip off the block of legendary former French captain Zinedine Zidane, powered home a superb header from a Hadj Moussa cross to open the scoring.

 

Algeria continued to dictate the tempo as Fares Chaïbi doubled the lead in the 25th minute, finishing a fine move initiated by Ibrahim Maza, who later emerged as the Man of the Match. The pressure mounted as Hadj Moussa provided his second assist of the night, setting up Maza to score Algeria’s third goal in the 32nd minute, leaving Equatorial Guinea reeling and fearing an avalanche.

 

After intense halftime talks, the Guineans showed some resilience and pulled one back in the 50th minute when Alex Balboa found Emilio Nsue, who calmly converted. Despite the consolation goal, Equatorial Guinea’s exit from the tournament was confirmed.

 

Meanwhile in Casablanca, the Stallions of Burkina Faso secured a solid 2–0 victory over Sudan to book their place in the knockout stage. Ukraine-based Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Lassina Traoré opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a powerful header that left Sudan stunned.

 

Late in the game, substitute Dango Ouattara of Brentford delivered a precise pass that Belgian-based defender Arsène Karassi, the Man of the Match, finished confidently in the 85th minute to seal the win.

 

At the end of Group E action, Algeria finished top with a perfect nine points, scoring seven goals and conceding just one. Burkina Faso followed in second place with six points, while Sudan placed third with three points. Equatorial Guinea exited the competition at the bottom of the group without a point.

 

With the group stage concluded, the official Round of 16 fixtures have been confirmed:

1. Senegal vs Sudan – Saturday, January 3 (5pm)

2. Mali vs Tunisia – Saturday, January 3 (8pm)

3. Morocco vs Tanzania – Sunday, January 4 (5pm)

4. South Africa vs Cameroon – Sunday, January 4 (8pm)

5. Egypt vs Benin – Monday, January 5 (5pm)

6. Nigeria vs Mozambique – Monday, January 5

7. Algeria vs DR Congo – Tuesday, January 6 (5pm)

8. Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso – Tuesday, January 6 (8pm)

 

As the tournament moves into the knockout phase, expectations continue to rise across the continent, with fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling encounters at Africa’s biggest football party