Sudan revived their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after securing a vital 1–0 win over Equatorial Guinea in their second Group E match in Casablanca on Sunday.
Both teams came into the fixture under pressure after losing their opening games, with Sudan recovering from a disappointing 3–0 defeat to Algeria and Equatorial Guinea seeking redemption after their 2–1 loss to Burkina Faso.
Equatorial Guinea dominated much of the first half, enjoying superior possession and creating clearer chances, but failed to convert their control into goals. Meanwhile, the Bright Stars maintained a disciplined and compact defensive shape, keeping the scores level at half-time.
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The intensity persisted into the second half as Equatorial Guinea continued their push, but it was the Stars who scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute. Under mounting pressure inside the penalty area, defender Saúl Coco inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Sudan a precious advantage.
Equatorial Guinea launched a late surge in search of an equaliser, but Sudan’s resilient backline held firm to secure their first points of the tournament.
The result lifts Sudan to third place in Group E with three points, breathing new life into their qualification hopes. Equatorial Guinea remain bottom without a point and must now defeat Algeria in their final group game to stand any chance of survival.
The Bright Stars will next face Burkina Faso in a decisive clash, while Equatorial Guinea meet group favourites Algeria as they fight to restore pride.