Algeria aims for six consecutive wins in AFCON qualifiers as they face Equatorial Guinea in Malabo
The Algerian national football team, known as the Greens, are preparing to extend their winning streak to six games in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers as they face Equatorial Guinea in Malabo. With five wins in their last five matches, Vladimir Petkovic’s squad has already secured a spot in the tournament, entering Thursday’s match without pressure but with a commitment to maintain their dominant run and confirm their status as group leaders.
Since recovering from an early stumble in World Cup qualifiers against Guinea, Algeria has shown remarkable consistency, scoring 13 goals and conceding only two across their last five games.
With tactical improvements and strengthened team cohesion, Petkovic’s team remains unbeaten on the road under his leadership, a record they are keen to uphold in their upcoming match against Equatorial Guinea.
After a weekend of club action, the Algerian squad reunited for a light training session on Monday in Malabo.
Players who had played for their clubs over the weekend were given a lighter workload, while the rest trained intensely for nearly 90 minutes.
Forward Amin Chiakha of Danish club Copenhagen, fresh from a two-goal performance in the Europa Conference League, joined the squad slightly later but managed to complete a full session ahead of Thursday’s clash.
However, Ibrahim Maza, the number 10 from Hertha Berlin, was exempted from camp due to an injury sustained in club play.
The Algerian delegation arrived in Malabo on Monday evening after a second training session at the National Technical Center of Sidi-Moussa, ensuring they were well-prepared upon landing.
The team will train on the main pitch of the Nuevo Estadio, where the game will take place, for a final session as they prepare for their showdown with Equatorial Guinea, the group’s second-placed team.
This upcoming fixture offers Algeria not only the chance to confirm their leadership but also to make history.
A win in Malabo would give Petkovic his fourth away victory as head coach of the Greens, with previous wins recorded in Uganda, Liberia, and Togo.
If Algeria can pull off a win in Equatorial Guinea, they will set themselves up for a chance to complete a perfect qualifying campaign with a final victory over Liberia in their concluding match, a feat that would be remembered as a historic accomplishment for the team.
Yet, the Greens are mindful not to underestimate Equatorial Guinea, whose squad, led by coach Juan Michá, is energized by home advantage and strong support from local fans.
Equatorial Guinea’s players were met with a lively reception from fans upon arrival, and training sessions have been well-attended, with high expectations from supporters hoping to see their team qualify for a third consecutive AFCON.
For the host team, a victory over Algeria would not only end the Greens’ streak but would also virtually secure their qualification, adding a high level of importance to Thursday’s encounter.
Given the anticipation around the match, it is expected to draw a full crowd at the Nuevo Estadio.
Equatorial Guinea will likely capitalize on this home support to disrupt Algeria’s rhythm and claim a decisive result.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s tactical plan under Petkovic will focus on controlling Equatorial Guinea’s offense and maintaining the clean, organized play that has defined their campaign so far.
A win for Algeria would affirm their status as one of the strongest teams in African football, marking a clean sweep of the AFCON 2025 qualifying rounds and establishing momentum as they look forward to the tournament.
For Equatorial Guinea, victory would open the door to a likely AFCON appearance, making Thursday’s match a high-stakes affair with the added pressure of national pride on the line.
