The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is set to witness an enthralling encounter between Algeria and Sudan on December 25, 2025, at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. This match marks the opening game of Group E for both teams, with Algeria entering the tournament as favorites, while Sudan faces significant challenges due to ongoing political turmoil and limited preparations.
Algeria is widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the AFCON title, boasting a formidable squad led by the experienced duo of Riyad Mahrez and Baghdad Bounedjah. Mahrez, the captain and star winger, is known for his exceptional skill and leadership, having played a pivotal role in Algeria's 2019 AFCON victory. His ability to score crucial goals and inspire his teammates makes him a key player to watch in this fixture.
The Algerian team's attacking prowess is further enhanced by the presence of Mohamed El Amine Amoura, who, along with Mahrez, forms a potent offensive duo. Algeria's recent performances have been impressive, with an unbeaten qualifying campaign where they scored 16 goals. This form bodes well for their prospects in the AFCON, and they are expected to secure a comfortable victory against Sudan.
On the other hand, Sudan, despite its current circumstances, has a rich footballing history and a resilient spirit. The team has not won an AFCON match since 2012, and their preparations for this tournament have been hampered by the ongoing civil war in the country. This has led to a lack of offensive strength and overall team cohesion. However, Sudan's determination and fighting spirit cannot be understated, and they will be looking to cause an upset against the favored Algerians.
In terms of betting, the odds heavily favor Algeria. Bookmakers like bet365 offer Algeria to win the match at 21/50, while Mahrez scoring the first goal is priced at 11/8. The most popular prediction is a 2-1 victory for Algeria, with odds of 17/2. These projections reflect the significant gap in quality and form between the two teams, with Algeria's superior attacking options and overall team strength being the primary factors.
This matchup promises to be a thrilling start to the AFCON Group E, with Algeria aiming to assert their dominance and Sudan hoping to spring a surprise. The encounter will not only test the mettle of both teams but also provide a glimpse into the future of African football, with stars like Mahrez continuing to shine on the continental stage.
