Three Group-stage fixtures headline the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 on December 24, as Burkina Faso, Algeria, and defending champions Ivory Coast begin their campaigns with contrasting challenges across Groups D, E, and F.
Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea
Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Kick-off: 6:00 PM IST
Burkina Faso open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Equatorial Guinea in Matchweek 1, entering the contest as favorites due to their stronger recent form and greater tournament consistency. The Stallions will look to impose their physicality and attacking depth early in a group-stage encounter expected to test Equatorial Guinea’s defensive organization.
Burkina Faso are likely to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Hervé Koffi in goal and a solid back three featuring Djiga, Edmond Tapsoba, and Nagalo. In attack, Bertrand Traoré, Lassina Traoré, and Dango Ouattara provide pace and goal threat.
Equatorial Guinea are expected to mirror the formation, with Owono in goal and experienced defenders Akapo, Obiang, and Coco shielding the back line. Veteran forward Emilio Nsue will lead the attack as they seek to frustrate their opponents and strike on the counter.
Prediction: Burkina Faso to control proceedings and take all three points.
Algeria vs Sudan
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Kick-off: 8:30 PM IST
Algeria begin their Group E campaign against Sudan in what will be the sides’ first-ever meeting at an AFCON finals. While Algeria remain unbeaten against Sudan historically (four wins and four draws), recent encounters—including the 2024 CHAN quarter-final draw—suggest a closer contest than past records indicate.
The Desert Foxes are aiming to halt a six-match winless run at AFCON, though they boast a strong opening-match record, having gone unbeaten in their last five tournament openers. Sudan, meanwhile, arrive with growing confidence after recent disciplined performances and will look to frustrate Algeria’s attacking rhythm.
Algeria’s technical quality and tournament experience make them favorites, but Sudan’s resilience could make this a tense and competitive fixture.
Prediction: Algeria to edge a narrow victory.
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique
Venue: Grand Stadium of Marrakech
Kick-off: 11:00 PM IST
Defending champions Ivory Coast begin their title defense against Mozambique in Group F, aiming to make an early statement. The Elephants dominate the historical head-to-head, with five wins and two draws in seven meetings, and enter the match as overwhelming favorites.
Ivory Coast are expected to deploy a powerful 4-3-3 formation, featuring attacking talents such as Amad Diallo and Oumar Diakité, supported by a physically imposing midfield. Mozambique, seeking their first-ever progression from the group stage, will rely heavily on Geny Catamo for creativity and Reinildo Mandava for defensive leadership.
While Mozambique are capable of resistance, Ivory Coast’s depth, pace, and tournament pedigree are expected to prove decisive.
Prediction: Ivory Coast to win comfortably, 3–0.
Matchday Outlook
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Burkina Faso favored to start strong
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Algeria expected to grind out a win
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Ivory Coast tipped for a dominant opening
AFCON 2025’s group stage continues to gather momentum as tournament heavyweights look to establish early control in Morocco.
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