Cote D'ivoire, Algeria, Burkina Faso Record Victories In Group E, Group F Openers

Cote D'ivoire, Algeria, Burkina Faso Record Victories In Group E, Group F Openers

By Niyi Busari 

Burkina Faso outscored ten-man Equitorial Guinea 2-1 while Riyadh Marhez led Algeria to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sudan as defending champions Cote D'ivoire and Cameroon recorded slim 1-0 victories over Mozambique and Gabon respectively in Group E and Group F openers, BSN Sports.com.ng reports.

Diallo Strike Seals Narrow Opening Win for Defending Champions

Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire began their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a composed but hard-earned 1–0 victory over Mozambique at the Marrakech Stadium on Wednesday night.

In a Group F encounter shaped more by control than creativity, the Elephants dominated possession but required patience to break down a disciplined Mozambican side. The decisive moment arrived shortly after half-time, when Amad Diallo delivered the breakthrough to secure all three points.

Côte d’Ivoire asserted themselves early, dictating the tempo and frequently attacking down the flanks. Franck Kessié and Wilfried Zaha were influential in midfield and wide areas, yet clear chances proved scarce. Kessié saw a first-half header saved, while Ghislain Konan fired narrowly wide as the Ivorians struggled to translate dominance into goals.

Mozambique remained compact and well-organised, soaking up pressure and threatening sporadically on the counter, particularly through the pace of Geny Catamo.

The deadlock was finally broken four minutes into the second half. Kessié rose highest to meet a delivery into the box, nodding the ball into the path of Diallo, who showed composure beyond his years to guide a low finish past the goalkeeper.

The goal brought greater control for Côte d’Ivoire, who managed the remainder of the match professionally without finding a second. Vakoun Bayo went close to extending the lead, while Mozambique failed to seriously test goalkeeper Yahia Fofana as they searched in vain for an equaliser.

The victory places Côte d’Ivoire at the top of Group F after the opening round. Mozambique, despite a resilient display, remain in search of their first-ever win at the AFCON finals.

Reactions

Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire):

“I am very proud. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Wearing my country’s jersey is an immense pride — a dream come true. We deserved to score more, but we take the win and now focus on the next match, which will be very tough.”

Chiquinho Conde (Mozambique):

“We knew Côte d’Ivoire would start strongly and that small details would make the difference. In some transitions, our lack of communication and marking inside the box cost us.”

Émerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire):

“We faced a good team and kept a clean sheet. The solidarity and mindset we’ve shown for months were evident again. We still need to improve our decision-making and finishing — at this level, details are decisive.”

Algeria 3–0 Sudan

Mahrez Double Powers Algeria to Commanding Start

Algeria launched their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 3–0 victory over Sudan on Wednesday evening at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The 2019 champions produced a dominant display in their Group E opener, securing their first AFCON finals win since lifting the trophy in Cairo. Captain Riyad Mahrez led from the front with a brace, while substitute Ibrahim Maza added a late third to underline Algeria’s intent.

The Fennecs wasted little time asserting their authority, opening the scoring after just two minutes. Mahrez finished calmly after being released by a precise pass from Hicham Boudaoui, catching Sudan cold in the early exchanges.

Sudan’s task grew even more difficult late in the first half when Salah El-Din Adel was dismissed in the 39th minute after receiving a second yellow card. Algeria went into the break with a 1–0 lead and complete control of the contest.

After the restart, Vladimir Petkovic’s side raised the tempo and doubled their advantage in the 61st minute. Mahrez struck again, this time converting a superb assist from Mohamed Amine Amoura. The result was put beyond doubt in the 85th minute when Ibrahim Maza finished confidently after being set up by Baghdad Bounedjah.

Algeria now sit top of Group E on three points, level with Burkina Faso, while Sudan and Equatorial Guinea remain without points after the opening round.

Reactions

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, Man of the Match):

“Being Man of the Match is a bonus. The most important thing was the victory and our collective strength. We had a bit of luck, and hopefully it continues.”

Kwesi Appiah (Sudan Head Coach):

“We faced a very strong team with quality in every area. We will do everything we can to respond in the next match.”

Burkina Faso 2–1 Equatorial Guinea

Burkina Faso produced one of the most dramatic moments of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 so far, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to snatch a remarkable 2–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

In a Group E contest that appeared to be slipping away, the Stallions showed extraordinary belief and resilience to overturn a late deficit against ten-man opponents, sealing victory in the dying seconds.

The opening half was evenly contested, with high intensity and physical battles but few clear chances at either end.

The match shifted early in the second period when Equatorial Guinea were reduced to ten men. Basilo Ndung was shown a straight red card in the 50th minute following a dangerous challenge, forcing his side into a defensive reorganisation.

Burkina Faso pushed forward in search of an advantage and thought they had broken the deadlock in the 71st minute when Lassina Traoré scored, only for VAR to rule the goal out, further testing their patience.

Against the run of play, Equatorial Guinea struck first in the 85th minute. Substitute Marvin Aniebo made an instant impact, heading home from Carlos Akapo’s corner to give his side a shock lead.

Refusing to accept defeat, Burkina Faso committed bodies forward and were rewarded in the fifth minute of added time when substitute György Menongo pounced to equalise. Moments later, in the eighth minute of stoppage time, Edmond Tapsoba powered home the winner, completing an astonishing turnaround.

The victory sends Burkina Faso to the top of Group E with three points, while Equatorial Guinea remain bottom of the standings.

Post-Match Reactions

Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso, Man of the Match):

“We never gave up. This victory reflects our mentality and collective work. We believed until the very end, and I dedicate this award to the entire team.”

Juan Micha (Equatorial Guinea Head Coach):

“We lost concentration and paid for it in just a few minutes. Physically we were good, but mentally we dropped after the red card. We must correct this quickly.”

Brama Traoré (Burkina Faso Head Coach):

“This first match was crucial. It was difficult, but we believed in our approach. When it didn’t work, we adjusted and pushed with everything we had to win.”