Mohamed Amoura of Algeria celebrates goal during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026 match between Algeria and Uganda held at Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria on 14 October 2025 ©Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025. 10:22
Algeria and Sudan are set to face one another at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time as both sides look to right recent wrongs at the tournament when they meet at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 5pm CAT.
Making its 21st AFCON appearance, Algeria is looking to overcome its recent struggles at the continental showpiece.
The North African nation is winless in its last two tournament appearances since claiming the title in 2019, managing three draws and three losses in its last 6 games at the finals. The country’s last win at the tournament came in the 2019 final against Senegal.
The Fennec Foxes have a good record in their opening games at the tournament, staying unbeaten in their last five with two wins and three draws. Their last loss in an opening match came in the 2013 edition against Tunisia.
One of three nations to compete in the inaugural AFCON in 1957, Sudan will be looking to roll back the clock at this year’s AFCON.
The East African country reached the finals in 1959, 1963 and 1970 but has struggled in more recent editions.
The Falcons of Jediane have won just one of their last 16 AFCON matches with that victory coming against Burkina Faso in 2012, which is also the team’s only win at the tournament since 1972.
In its last appearance in 2021, the Falcons of Jediane failed to win any of their matches.
After missing out in 2023, Sudan will be looking to regain some of its former glory in Morocco.
The group E match-up will be the first meeting between the two sides at the continental showpiece and their ninth overall. Against Sudan, Algeria is unbeaten in open play, racking up four wins and four draws.
The two nations have met twice this year. Sudan got the better of their clash at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship in August, winning 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
They met more recently at theFIFA Arab Cup in December, where they were forced to settle for a goalless draw.