As the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, all eyes are on Group E, which features a battle for redemption and a breakthrough.
Featuring Algeria, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, this group is set up to deliver heartbreaks, drama and unpredictable results.
ALGERIA: Desert Warriors search for revenge
As former champions, Algeria enters the tournament not just to compete but to make amends for the recent disappointing AFCON performances.
Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria is keen to re-establish its dominance after a shocking early 2021 AFCON exit and missing out on the 2022 World Cup.
Key player to watch: Riyad Mahrez, the inspirational captain and technical magician whose experience and creativity remain pivotal.
What to expect: Algeria is the clear favourite for the top spot. Their technical ability, depth in talent and hunger for redemption are key.
BURKINA FASO: The Stallions’ enduring ambition
Burkina Faso is an everlasting dark horse, consistently making it hard for the big boys in the previous AFCON tournaments.
The Stallions are veterans of the tournament but are still chasing their first-ever AFCON title. They played the finals in 2013 and the semifinals in 1998, 2017 and 2021.
Key player to watch: Edmond Tapsoba, Bayern Leverkusen’s central defender, brings calmness, composure and ball-playing ability to the side.
What to expect: Burkina Faso will be Algeria’s main rival for the group’s top spot.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA: The unpredictable overachievers
They continue to defy their small population and lower ranking with a history of punching above their weight on the continental stage.
Equatorial Guinea boasts an impressive AFCON record, reaching at least the round of 16 in all four appearances, including the famous semifinal finish as hosts in 2015.
Key player to watch: Emilio Nsue, their all-time top scorer, brings experience, sharpness and leadership to the team.
What to expect: This is the ultimate dark horse in the group.
SUDAN: The resilient historical champions
One of Africa’s oldest footballing nations and 1970 champions, Sudan is enjoying a resurgence despite significant challenges off the pitch.
Despite being forced to play their home matches abroad due to civil conflict, they secured a resilient qualification, finishing second in the group.
Their success is a testament to the dedication and fighting spirit of players of their players, most of whom are drawn from the country’s top local clubs.
Key player to watch: Mohamed Abdelrahman, the experienced forward who contributes to the team’s attacking ability.
What to expect: They will be great contenders for the second and third place.