Algeria and Sudan Set for Historic First AFCON Finals Clash in Morocco
So here’s a matchup that carries a lot more weight than it might seem at first glance. On Wednesday, Algeria and Sudan are set to face each other at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals for the very first time, as both teams kick off their Group E campaign in Morocco. The game will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and it already feels like one of those fixtures where history, pressure, and pride are all coming together.
Even though this is their first-ever meeting at the AFCON finals, these two sides are not strangers. This will actually be their ninth encounter overall. Algeria have never been beaten by Sudan in open play, with four wins and four draws recorded so far. Still, recent meetings suggest this clash could be far more competitive than the record books might imply. Earlier in 2024, Sudan managed to hold Algeria to a draw in the African Nations Championship before knocking them out on penalties. They also shared a goalless draw at the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar just weeks ago.
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Algeria, as two-time African champions, arrive with a reputation that speaks for itself. This is their 21st appearance at the AFCON finals, and memories of their triumphs in 1990 and 2019 are still fresh for fans. However, it has to be said that recent tournaments have not gone to plan. The Desert Foxes were eliminated at the group stage in their last two AFCON appearances and are currently on a six-match winless run at the finals. Their last win at this stage of the competition dates all the way back to the 2019 final against Senegal.
Despite that, Algeria are known for starting tournaments strongly. They have not lost an opening AFCON match in over a decade, and that experience could be crucial here. Coach Vladimir Petkovic has spoken about the positive mood in camp, with players recovering well and the team feeling ready to give everything from the first whistle. Riyad Mahrez has echoed that confidence, saying the focus is firmly on delivering a solid performance and living up to Algeria’s footballing identity.
Sudan, meanwhile, are back at the AFCON finals for the first time since 2021, and their return carries emotional significance. As one of the founding nations of the tournament and champions back in 1970, Sudan have deep roots in African football. Still, recent history has been tough, with just one AFCON win in their last 16 matches. Coach Kwesi Appiah and his players have made it clear that this tournament is about pride, resilience, and representing their nation during a challenging period.
When the whistle blows in Rabat, it won’t just be another group-stage game. It will be a historic first AFCON finals meeting, a test of Algeria’s quest to reclaim past glory, and a chance for Sudan to announce themselves on the continental stage once again.
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