Sudan picked up all three points against Equatorial Guinea
Sudan, led by former Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah, reignited their Africa Cup of Nations hopes with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, December 28, 2025, securing a crucial three points in Group play.
The result keeps the Falcons’ dream of reaching the knockout stages alive for only the second time since 1970.
Both sides entered the contest under pressure after losing their opening matches, and it was Equatorial Guinea who started with greater urgency. The National Thunder dominated the early exchanges and created two clear chances within the first 25 minutes, with former West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang coming closest when he fired a rebound just over the bar following a defensive lapse by Sudan.
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Despite Equatorial Guinea’s dominance, the first half ended goalless. A lengthy stoppage disrupted the rhythm of the game, while a flurry of yellow cards reflected growing frustration rather than attacking quality, as neither side managed to convert their superiority before the interval.
The tempo improved after the restart, with Equatorial Guinea threatening again through substitute José Nabil, whose curling effort drifted narrowly wide on a swift counter-attack. Sudan gradually grew into the game and nearly took the lead on the hour mark when Mohamed Eisa’s effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by Esteban Orozco.
Against the run of play, Sudan found the breakthrough in the 74th minute when a dangerous free-kick took a cruel deflection off Saúl Coco and beat the helpless goalkeeper. Yasir Mozamil almost doubled the lead soon after, but Sudan held firm to secure a famous victory.
Equatorial Guinea now face group favourites Algeria needing a near-miracle to advance, while Sudan’s shock win breathes new life into their qualification hopes.
FKA/MA
