On December 31, 2025, Algeria did more than win. They put a stamp on Group E and sent a message to the rest of AFCON 2025. A sharp, confident 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea gave the Desert Foxes a perfect group stage: three wins from three, nine points, and a +6 goal difference. It was the kind of closing statement coaches dream about and opponents fear.

Fast start, clear intent: a match won before the break

Algeria set the tone early and never let go. Zineddine Belaïd struck first on 19 minutes, opening the door. Six minutes later, Farès Chaïbi doubled the lead. By 32 minutes, Ibrahim Maza made it three. In just 13 minutes of first-half play, Algeria turned pressure into points and control into a cushion.

That burst did not happen by chance. It came from quick ball movement, smart runs, and calm finishing. The timing was ruthless. Equatorial Guinea, fighting to find their rhythm, were forced to chase the game and leave gaps. Algeria punished those gaps with purpose and patience.

“Three goals in 13 minutes. That looked like champions’ tempo.”

Equatorial Guinea’s response and a second-half test

To their credit, Equatorial Guinea did not fold. At 50 minutes, veteran forward Emilio Nsue pulled one back, sparking a real push. The goal gave them energy. They pressed higher, worked the wide areas, and tried to force mistakes.

Algeria, though, handled the shift. The second half ran to 90+6 with corners, changes, and moments of pressure. But the structure held. The back line stayed compact, the midfield kept its shape, and the three-goal head start proved enough to see the job through.

“Nsue’s goal asked a question. Algeria’s calm answered it.”

Perfect Group E: what the numbers say

Sometimes the table tells the whole story. Algeria finished Group E with a spotless 3-0-0 record and a +6 goal difference. That is control in attack and control in defense. They scored when it mattered and kept their shape when under pressure. It is simple math that speaks to smart football.

Behind them, Burkina Faso took second place with six points, while Sudan finished on three. Equatorial Guinea ended with zero points from three matches and a -4 goal difference. That gap shows the difference between a team in form and teams still building.

Key men, key moments: Belaïd, Chaïbi, and Maza

Every tournament run needs match-winners. Algeria had three on the day:

• Zineddine Belaïd (19′) — the breakthrough that settled nerves and tilted the field.
• Farès Chaïbi (25′) — the quick second that turned a lead into full control.
• Ibrahim Maza (32′) — the third that gave Algeria the freedom to manage the game.

Each goal carried its own weight. Together, they formed a complete first-half statement. And in tournament play, early goals do more than build scorelines. They save legs, build confidence, and keep cards and risks to a minimum.

“Three different scorers. That balance is how you win AFCONs.”

Why this win matters going into the knockouts

Finishing first matters. It usually means a smoother path, but it always means belief. Algeria’s 100% record gives them both. They showed they can control a match early, ride a pushback, and close the door late. These are the habits that carry teams deep into a tournament.

Momentum is more than a buzzword. It’s rhythm and trust. The Desert Foxes now have both. Three games, three wins, and a group topped without drama. As the knockout rounds begin, they will expect to set the pace, not just follow it.

What Equatorial Guinea can take away

No points is harsh, but not meaningless. Nsue’s goal showed fight. The second-half push showed pride. The lesson is clear: start stronger, protect the early moments, and turn good spells into real chances. This AFCON group was unforgiving, and the margin for error was small. A reset and a rebuild can turn this pain into progress.

Big picture: the AFCON 2025 narrative

AFCON always rewards teams that start fast and manage moments. Algeria did both in Group E. The results are clean: 3-1 over Equatorial Guinea to close, nine points total, and a +6 goal difference. With every match, their identity got sharper. The attack is shared. The defense is stable. The game plan is clear.

The next step is about pressure. In knockouts, one bad ten-minute spell can end a dream. But the Desert Foxes just showed how powerful a great ten-minute spell can be. If they keep this mix of speed, control, and focus, they will be a tough out for anyone.

Final whistle

Algeria came to finish the group, and they did it in style. Belaïd, Chaïbi, and Maza delivered the goals. The team delivered the control. Equatorial Guinea’s late fight added edge, but not doubt. The 3-1 win seals a perfect Group E and sets up a knockout run with real belief.

Now the bar is higher. The football will be tighter. But Algeria have shown the tools and the temperament to meet the moment. That is what their 100% group record really says.