Casablanca, Morocco – In a highly anticipated Group E opener of the Africa Cup of Nations, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea will clash at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on December 24, 2025. Both teams are eager to start their campaigns strong, setting the stage for a potentially captivating encounter.
Burkina Faso, after a Round of 16 exit in the 2023 AFCON, aims to replicate their previous success, having reached at least the semi-finals in three of four appearances between 2013 and 2021. The Stallions have been in impressive form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches with five wins and one draw. Their attacking prowess has been particularly notable, scoring at least three goals in four of those games. However, historically, they've been slow starters, winning only one of their 13 previous AFCON openers. That lone win did occur in the 2023 tournament, which could provide a psychological boost.
Equatorial Guinea, making their fifth AFCON appearance and only the third time through merit, have a reputation for exceeding expectations. Despite a Round of 16 exit two years prior, they've reached the quarter-finals three times. Recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five internationals. A forfeited World Cup qualifier against Malawi due to a player strike added to their challenges. Coach Juan Michá, after suspension and reinstatement, seeks to inspire a repeat of their strong 2023 group stage performance where they scored nine goals and remained unbeaten.
Historically, Burkina Faso holds the advantage, remaining unbeaten against Equatorial Guinea in three previous meetings, keeping clean sheets in all of them. This includes a 0-0 draw at the 2015 AFCON.
Key players to watch include Pierre Landry Kaboré of Burkina Faso, who has scored six goals in his last three games, four of them after the 55th minute. For Equatorial Guinea, Emilio Nsue, the nation's record scorer, will be crucial, with his last eight international goals being the team's first in those matches.
Hot Stat: Burkina Faso has scored exactly three goals in each of their last three international matches.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 UTC. Football fans can follow live scores and updates on various platforms, including ESPN.
