The curtain fell on Group E on a tense final night in Morocco, with simultaneous matches in Casablanca and Rabat deciding qualification paths and confirming Algeria’s dominance, Burkina Faso’s composure, and Sudan’s resilience as the knockout picture finally took shape.
At the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, Burkina Faso and Sudan walked onto the pitch knowing that qualification was within reach, but only if nerves were kept in check. Burkina Faso set the early tone, pressing higher and asserting control in midfield as Sudan sat compact, waiting for moments to break forward. The intensity was evident from the opening exchanges, with both sides contesting every second ball, but it was Burkina Faso who found clarity first. In the 22nd minute, a well-worked team move carved open the Sudanese defence, allowing Traoré to apply the finish and give the Stallions a deserved lead.
Sudan tried to respond before the break, growing into the game and forcing Burkina Faso goalkeeper Koffi into an important save in the 34th minute, a moment that kept the advantage intact as halftime arrived with Burkina Faso narrowly ahead. The second half followed a familiar script. Sudan pushed with greater urgency, introducing fresh legs and sending crosses into the box, but their final touch repeatedly deserted them. Burkina Faso, disciplined and patient, slowed the tempo, recycled possession, and defended with authority as frustration crept into Sudan’s play.
As the clock ticked down, Sudan threw numbers forward, especially in the closing ten minutes, bombarding the area in search of a lifeline. Yet Burkina Faso never lost their shape. The decisive moment came late, when Burkina Faso struck again to seal a 2–0 victory, confirming second place in the group and a confident passage into the round of 16. Despite the defeat, Sudan’s campaign was not over. Their earlier results ensured they advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams, joining fellow CECAFA representatives Tanzania in the knockout phase and keeping the regional flag flying.
Meanwhile in Rabat, Algeria underlined their status as Group E’s standout side with another commanding performance, completing the group stage with a perfect record. Facing Equatorial Guinea at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, the Desert Foxes imposed themselves early, pressing relentlessly and stretching the game wide. Their persistence paid off in the 18th minute when Zinedine Belaid rose highest to head home the opener from a well-delivered ball. Algeria barely eased off, and six minutes later Fares Chaibi added a second after sharp buildup play, placing the match firmly under their control.
Equatorial Guinea attempted to rally, but Algeria’s midfield control and defensive organisation limited their opportunities. Ibrahim Maza further extended the lead before halftime, effectively ending the contest. The second half saw Algeria manage the game with confidence, absorbing pressure and rotating their squad, even as Equatorial Guinea found a consolation through Emilio Nsue. Any hope of a comeback was extinguished as Algeria restored their two-goal cushion late on, closing out a 3–1 victory that confirmed top spot with three wins from three.
As Group E concluded, the final standings reflected contrasting journeys. Algeria marched on flawlessly, Burkina Faso advanced with authority, and Sudan progressed through grit and consistency, while Equatorial Guinea bowed out despite moments of promise. With qualification secured and narratives firmly established, Group E handed the tournament a compelling mix of control, resilience, and unfinished ambition heading into the round of 16.
