Algeria, a two-time African champion, will face Sudan in the opening match of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. This match could set the tone for Group Five.
The encounter is of significant importance as it marks the first official meeting between the two teams in the finals of the tournament, giving it a special character and making all outcomes possible.
Head-to-Head History
The two national teams have met eight times previously on various occasions outside the Africa Cup of Nations finals, including friendly matches and other Arab and continental tournaments.
Sudan and Algeria faced each other twice in 2025. In August, their quarter-final match in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship ended in a 1-1 draw, with Algeria advancing 4-1 on penalties. They met again on December 3rd during the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar, where the match ended in a goalless draw at Al Rayyan Stadium.
Historically, the balance has tipped in favor of Algeria, who have won four matches, while four encounters have ended in draws.
Despite Algeria’s historical superiority, Sudan has proven in recent years its ability to compete with major opponents, adding a competitive dimension to the match.
Algeria’s Ambition: Regaining Continental Shine
The Desert Warriors enter the continental tournament with a clear ambition to reclaim their continental status after consecutive disappointments in the previous two editions.
The Algerian national team relies on a blend of experience and skill, led by a number of professional players, aiming for a strong start that restores confidence and confirms its ability to compete for the title it has won twice in its history (1990 and 2019).
The Algeria coach stated in a press conference in Rabat, “We cannot look back. This is a new tournament with a new mentality. I asked the players not to think about yesterday, because what matters most is what the team delivers today. The team is preparing to start this adventure with confidence, positivity, and calm.”
Sudan’s Ambition: Writing History
On the other hand, the Falcons of Jediane, returning to the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time since 2021, approach the match with a spirit of challenge and a desire to prove themselves, relying on a noticeable improvement in collective performance recently.
The Sudanese national team, which won its sole tournament title on home soil in 1970, aspires to achieve a positive result against one of the continent’s giants. This could open the door to competing for qualification and provide a significant morale boost for their tournament journey.
The Sudan coach emphasized the difficulty of the match against Algeria, stating in a pre-match press conference: “Algeria is one of the strongest teams in Africa and the world, with a distinguished group of talented and experienced players. We have studied their team and know the match will be difficult, but we are confident in our abilities.”
Algeria
Algeria is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient Berber kingdoms, Roman rule, and centuries of Ottoman influence. It gained independence from France in 1962 after a prolonged and brutal war of liberation. The nation’s cultural heritage is prominently displayed at sites like the Roman ruins of Timgad and the Casbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sudan
Sudan is a country in Northeast Africa with a rich history as the home of ancient Nubian civilizations, such as the Kingdom of Kush, which rivaled ancient Egypt. It later became the site of powerful Islamic sultanates and, in the modern era, was jointly ruled as an Anglo-Egyptian condominium before gaining independence in 1956. The country is also known for its numerous archaeological sites, including the pyramids of Meroë.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded to unite African nations emerging from colonialism and is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium
Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Rabat, Morocco. It was inaugurated in 1983 and is named after the late Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, the father of the current King Mohammed VI. Primarily used for football matches, it has hosted numerous national and international sporting events.
Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, founded in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliphate as a ribat (fortified monastery). It is now a modern political and administrative center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved historic quarters, including the Hassan Tower and the Chellah necropolis.
TotalEnergies African Nations Championship
The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a football competition for African national teams, exclusively featuring players who are active in their own domestic leagues. It was established by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and first held in 2009 to promote and develop local football talent across the continent. The tournament’s naming rights have been held by the energy company TotalEnergies since 2016.
FIFA Arab Cup
The FIFA Arab Cup is a football tournament for national teams from the Arab world, first organized in 1963 before coming under FIFA’s governance for its 2021 edition. It serves as a competition to strengthen regional ties and, for the 2021 event, acted as a test run for stadiums and operations ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Qatar
Qatar is a sovereign country located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, historically shaped by its Bedouin heritage and centuries of pearling and fishing. Its modern history is defined by the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves in the mid-20th century, which rapidly transformed it into a wealthy and influential global state. The nation is also home to significant cultural sites like the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, which showcases artifacts from across the Islamic world.
Al Rayyan Stadium
Al Rayyan Stadium is a football venue located in Al Rayyan, Qatar, which was inaugurated in 2020 and hosted matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It was built on the site of the former Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium and incorporates cultural symbols, such as intricate façade patterns representing Qatari heritage, into its modern design.
