Sudan has defeated Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in a Group E match at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 on Sunday, 28 December in Casablanca, Morocco.
The single goal by Saul Coco in the second half was enough for Sudan to register their first vital win in the tournament in a match played at the Stade Mohammed V.
The match remained on a knife-edge until the 74th minute, when a stinging Sudanese cross forced centre-back Saúl Coco into a desperate clearance, only for the ball to fly into the back of his own net. The solitary goal sparked wild celebrations and handed Sudan their first tournament win in more than a decade.
For players representing a nation facing immense challenges at home, the team has become a symbol of defiance. The victory marked Sudan’s first at the AFCON since 2012. Although Sudan won the tournament in 1970, this was just their second win in 18 matches across six AFCON appearances since then. Ranked 117th in the FIFA standings, the result stands as a rare and resonant triumph.
Following a heavy defeat in their opening match on 24 December against Algeria 3-0, Sudan knew they were playing for survival. Goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid stood like a wall, orchestrating a defense that absorbed wave after wave of attack before striking on the counter.
Sudan has officially moved up with three points with the group leaders, turning their final match into a “win-and-you’re-in” scenario. Sudan now heads into their final group clash against Burkina Faso on 31 December. If they win, they secure a place in the Round of 16.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 takes place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Group E standing
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Algeria 2 2 0 0 4 0 4 6
B. Faso 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
Sudan 2 1 0 1 1 3 -2 3
E. Guinea 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0
Sources: cafonline.com, cecafaonline.com
