Algeria Record Third Win to Qualify for AFCON Knockout Stages, Conceding Only One Goal

Kenya, December 31 2025 - Algeria continued their impressive run at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 by securing a third consecutive victory in the group stage, cementing their place in the Round of 16 as Group E winners with a commanding performance. 

The Desert Foxes completed their perfect group campaign with a 3–1 win over Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, maintaining their status as one of the tournament’s most consistent sides. In the match, all three goals came in the first half — Zineddine Belaid, Fares Chaibi, and young forward Ibrahim Maza found the net to give Algeria an early commanding advantage. 

Veteran striker Emilio Nsue pulled one back for Equatorial Guinea in the second half, but it was merely a consolation in an otherwise dominant showing by the North Africans. 

Across their three group matches, Algeria have combined attacking prowess with stout defending. They opened the campaign with a 3–0 victory over Sudan, highlighted by a Riyad Mahrez brace and a goal from Ibrahim Maza, in which they kept a clean sheet. Their second win came via a 1–0 triumph against Burkina Faso, with captain Riyad Mahrez converting a penalty to seal qualification with a match to spare. 

Overall, Algeria have scored seven goals while conceding just one in the group phase, a remarkable record that underscores their balance and depth under coach Vladimir Petković. The solitary goal conceded against Equatorial Guinea was the only blemish on an otherwise near-flawless defensive record.