Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria Predictions

• Algeria are set to rest some key players after qualifying for the last 16
• Algeria have won both group games without conceding
• Algeria beat National Thunder 2-0 in AFCON qualifying last year

National Thunder needs to rumble in Rabat

Equatorial Guinea stunned defending champions Algeria 1-0 at AFCON four years ago and National Thunder need lightning to strike twice if they are to stay in this tournament. Algeria booked their round of 16 berth on Sunday and have nothing to play for in this final group match, which makes it a tricky game to call.

Les Fennecs have looked relatively untroubled in both games in Morocco, beating Sudan 3-0 in their opener before holding off a late Burkina Faso rally to win 1-0 at the weekend. Expect head coach Vladimir Petrovic to make plenty of changes for this contest while the National Thunder have it all to do if they want to extend their stay at AFCON 2025.

After a 2-1 defeat in a lively opener against the Burkinabe, Torino centre-back Saul Basilio Coco-Bassey Oubina scored an own goal to condemn Equatorial Guinea to another defeat against Sudan on Sunday.

Desert Warriors can dry up the goals

To have a realistic chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams, Juan Micha’s men must pull off a major upset against Algeria, whom they failed to score against twice in qualifying last year.

The Desert Warriors are a robust side with nimble forwards, hard-working midfielders and solid organisation at the back. They also have an in-form Luca Zidane in goal, so could probably claim a third clean sheet in this clash.

Back Algeria to win to nil with a 2-0 scoreline, which would be a repeat of their home win in qualifying, the most likely outcome.