Algeria rounded off the group stage in emphatic style, producing a dominant 3-1 victory that underlined their status as serious contenders at AFCON 2025.
Goals, authority and a flawless record combined to send a clear warning to the rest of the tournament.
From the first whistle, the Desert Foxes imposed themselves on the contest.
Comfortable on the ball, aggressive in the press and incisive on the counter, Algeria controlled the rhythm against an Equatorial Guinea side that struggled to cope with their intensity.
Djamel Belmadi’s men dictated proceedings in every department, circulating possession with patience before increasing the tempo at decisive moments.
Their midfield balance and intelligent attacking movement consistently exposed gaps in the opposition defence.
Algeria’s pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when a well-worked corner delivery picked out Zineddine Belaïd, who rose unchallenged near the penalty spot to power home a header and make it 1-0.
The breakthrough further boosted Algeria’s confidence as they pushed to finish the group stage on a high note.
Chaïbi and Maza Seal Control
The second goal followed soon after and came in impressive fashion. Fares Chaïbi drove forward with purpose, skipped past his markers and finished decisively to double the lead at 2-0.
Before the interval, Algeria struck again. Ibrahim Maza climbed highest to nod home a commanding header from another set-piece situation, sending the Desert Foxes into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Equatorial Guinea showed brief resistance early in the second half when Emilio Nsue capitalised on a rare defensive lapse to pull one back and reduce the deficit to 3-1.
However, it proved to be little more than a consolation. Algeria responded with composure, slowing the tempo when necessary and managing the remainder of the game with authority and experience.
Perfect Record, Strong Warning
The 3-1 win ensured Algeria finished Group E with a perfect nine points, an impressive goal difference and significant momentum heading into the knockout phase of AFCON 2025.
For Equatorial Guinea, the campaign ends without a point and with valuable lessons learned.
Algeria, meanwhile, advance with confidence, firmly establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s most convincing teams.
