Algeria capped a flawless group stage campaign with an emphatic 3-1 victory over already-eliminated Equatorial Guinea in Rabat, recording their first perfect group stage record since winning the tournament in 2019.
Head coach Vladimir Petkovic made nine changes to his starting lineup, fielding a largely experimental side with qualification already secured. Despite the wholesale alterations, the Desert Foxes’ quality shone through from the outset.
Centre-back Zineddine Belaïd opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a powerful glancing header from Anis Hadj Moussa’s corner—his first senior international goal. The North Africans doubled their advantage six minutes later when Ibrahim Maza’s clever pass released Farès Chaïbi, who cut inside from the left and unleashed an unstoppable strike past Jesús Owono.
Maza, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, got his name on the scoresheet in the 32nd minute, rising highest to head home from Hadj Moussa’s cross. The three-goal salvo before the interval effectively ended the contest, with Algeria demonstrating the impressive depth at their disposal.
Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue pulled one back early in the second half, the 36-year-old showing his class with a superb angled right-footed strike that flew into the top left-hand corner. However, any hopes of an unlikely comeback quickly dissipated.
The result marks Equatorial Guinea’s first-ever group stage exit at AFCON, having previously progressed from the group phase in all four prior appearances. The National Thunder depart Morocco without a single point, a disappointing conclusion following suspensions to three key players for disciplinary issues.
Algeria finish top of Group E with maximum points and face Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 16 on 6 January, their attacking prowess and defensive solidity making them genuine contenders for the title.
“We had seven players born after the 2000s, which is a good indication of a bright future,” said Petkovic after the match. “It’s a pity we conceded, but in the same breath, it was a quality goal that was difficult to avoid.”
