Algeria rest Mahrez but beat Equatorial Guinea for third win: Algeria showed their depth and authority by easing past Equatorial Guinea 3-1 in Rabat, even with captain Riyad Mahrez left out of the starting line-up. The victory meant Les Fennecs became the second side, after Nigeria, to complete a perfect group-stage record at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Mahrez’s absence was part of nine changes made by coach Vladimir Petkovic following the narrow win over Burkina Faso, but the reshuffle hardly disrupted Algeria’s rhythm. On the right wing, Anis Hadj Moussa brought energy and flair, repeatedly unsettling the Equatorial Guinea defence with his pace and skill.
The winger’s confidence quickly won over the sea of green-and-white shirts packed tightly around the modern arena. His set-piece delivery was decisive, with one corner allowing centre-back Zineddine Belaid to rise and head home the opening goal. Later, another perfectly weighted cross from Moussa picked out Ibrahim Maza, who drifted into space to nod in Algeria’s third.
Between those moments, Fares Chaibi also took advantage of gaps in the opposition backline, cutting inside from the left before smashing the ball high into the net.
For Equatorial Guinea, already beaten in their first two Group E matches, the performance lacked sharpness, especially before the break. Captain Emilio Nsue was often seen dropping deep and urging his team-mates to raise their intensity. The veteran forward finally expressed his frustration in spectacular fashion just after half-time, unleashing a long-range strike into the top corner for what proved to be his side’s only highlight.
Petkovic, meanwhile, appears to be shaping a disciplined and fluid squad, with fringe players seizing their chance to impress ahead of Algeria’s last-16 clash with DR Congo at the same venue on Tuesday, 6 January (16:00 GMT).
Moussa and Nsue shine in the rain
Having already secured top spot, Algeria could afford to rotate, while Equatorial Guinea coach Juan Micha was forced into several changes after Carlos Akapo and Josete Miranda received four-match bans for their conduct in the previous game against Sudan.
From the opening exchanges, it was clear Micha had struggled to lift the morale of a team already eliminated. Memories of Equatorial Guinea’s shock win over Algeria at the 2021 finals briefly surfaced, but this time the two-time champions looked far too sharp and organised.
Although Mahrez remains a key figure at 34, Moussa’s standout performance raised fresh questions for Petkovic and may well have caught the eye of clubs searching for a dynamic wide player. His curling delivery for the opener in the 19th minute saw Belaid glance the ball across goal, igniting celebrations and red flares among the supporters.
Equatorial Guinea failed to adjust, again allowing Moussa too much freedom. Another inviting left-footed cross found Maza for Algeria’s third, with the header taking a slight touch off defender Esteban Orozco on its way in.
Algeria could have added more, but Mounsef Bakrar was denied by a superb one-handed save from goalkeeper Jesus Owono at close range. With body language fading fast, Equatorial Guinea looked in danger of a heavy defeat, yet Nsue’s leadership gradually dragged them back into the contest as Algeria eased off.
The improved second-half showing was crowned by Nsue’s stunning goal just five minutes after the restart, a strike worthy of tournament highlight reels. The former Birmingham City striker, top scorer at Afcon 2023, nearly added another, forcing a sharp save before sending a late effort narrowly wide.
Despite his brilliance, Nsue could not spark a comeback on his own. At the other end, Chaibi struck the crossbar and later wasted a clear chance by misplacing a simple pass across goal.
As dusk settled and rain poured down, Algeria’s fans lit up the stadium with their phone lights, creating a shimmering backdrop for their players. Not even the heavy rain at the final whistle could dampen the mood, with supporters already dreaming that a return to this ground in six days’ time might bring another deep run towards the final in Morocco.
