Algeria underlined their title credentials at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea, sealing top place in Group E and booking their spot in the round of 16 in emphatic fashion.
The Desert Foxes struck early and never really looked back, racing into a three-goal lead before the break. Belaïd opened the scoring in the 19th minute, before Chaïbi and Maza added further goals in a devastating first-half spell that showcased Algeria’s attacking depth and sharpness.
Equatorial Guinea offered a response after the interval when Nsue pulled one back on 50 minutes, briefly raising hopes of a comeback. But Algeria remained composed, controlling possession and continuing to pose the greater threat as the match continues.
By the time the clock ticked past 75 minutes, Algeria’s grip on the contest was clear. They edged possession and outshot their opponents comfortably, with their fluid movement and incisive passing proving too much for Equatorial Guinea to contain.
The win means Algeria finish the group phase unbeaten and confirms them as one of the tournament’s most convincing sides so far. They also became only the third team at the 2025 AFCON to score three or more goals in a single match, following Nigeria and Senegal.
For Equatorial Guinea, defeat ends their hopes of finishing strongly in the group, while Algeria march on with confidence growing and eyes firmly fixed on going deep into the tournament in Morocco.
