Sudan recorded a historic victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in a tense Group E encounter in Casablanca, ending a 13-year wait for a win at the tournament.
Head coach Kwesi Appiah etched his name into Sudanese football history by guiding the Falcons to only their second AFCON victory since 1970 and their first since 2012.
Playing under chilly conditions on a 14-degree night, Sudan delivered a disciplined and resilient performance to bounce back from their opening setback and revive their campaign. The contest was evenly matched for much of the game, with both sides adopting cautious and compact approaches given the high stakes.
The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when a dangerous cross from the right caused confusion in the Equatorial Guinea penalty area. Defender Saúl Coco, under pressure while attempting to clear the ball, inadvertently diverted it into his own net.
The goal sparked emotional celebrations on the Sudan bench, highlighting the significance of the breakthrough. After taking the lead, Sudan focused on preserving their advantage as Equatorial Guinea mounted sustained pressure in search of an equaliser.
Goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid produced a series of assured saves, while the Sudanese defence remained organised and resolute to repel late attacks.
The victory proved crucial in Group E, drawing Sudan level on points at the top and keeping their qualification hopes firmly alive ahead of a decisive final group match against Burkina Faso on New Year’s Eve.
For Kwesi Appiah and his squad, the result represented more than just three points—it was a statement of progress, belief and renewed ambition, ensuring Sudan’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages remain alive for only the second time in over five decades
