Equatorial Guinea’s place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is officially secured after Togo’s defeat on Wednesday, granting the National Thunder a top-two finish in Group E and an early ticket to the tournament. This achievement, made without having to take the field, marks a moment of pride for the team and its fans as Equatorial Guinea joins the growing list of nations confirmed for Africa’s premier football competition next year.
With qualification in hand, Equatorial Guinea will face Algeria on Thursday at 13:00 GMT at the Malabo Stadium.
Algeria, having already secured their own AFCON spot, will join Equatorial Guinea in an anticipated match where both teams, free from qualifying pressures, aim to strengthen their form ahead of the tournament.
The fixture also underscores a budding rivalry; in their last encounter in September, Algeria clinched a 2-0 victory, but with the morale boost of early qualification and the advantage of home support, Equatorial Guinea will be keen to deliver a memorable performance.
Equatorial Guinea’s qualification makes them the ninth team to confirm a spot in the 2025 AFCON lineup, which will bring together some of Africa’s most competitive national teams.
Known for their resilience and energy on the field, the National Thunder have steadily built a strong reputation, reaching AFCON in 2021 and demonstrating their growth as a competitive side.
Equatorial Guinea’s fans are expected to fill Malabo Stadium, ready to cheer their team and celebrate their entry to the tournament, which will showcase Africa’s top football talent next year.
The team’s recent success has been built on a disciplined approach and a talented core of players who have led them through a challenging qualification group.
With Togo and other teams pushing hard in Group E, Equatorial Guinea’s assured qualification reflects a well-rounded performance throughout the campaign.
This will mark the team’s fourth AFCON appearance, underscoring the strides they have made in recent years to establish themselves among Africa’s top sides.
Meanwhile, Algeria, a perennial AFCON contender, will enter Thursday’s game without the pressure of securing points.
Having dominated Group E, the Desert Foxes aim to maintain their strong form as they finalize preparations for the tournament.
Algeria’s squad, rich with experience and talent, will face a motivated Equatorial Guinea team determined to capitalize on their qualification success and give their fans a performance to remember.
Fans can tune into the action on Canal Sport, Bein Sport 1, and DZ6, with the game set to be broadcast live from Malabo Stadium.
For Equatorial Guinea, this match will be a chance to savor their AFCON qualification and to build momentum as they look forward to competing among the continent’s elite.
