Burkina Faso won the first-ever meeting between these two teams 1-0 in 2011, while they've subsequently played out a pair of goalless draws, including in Bata during the Africa Cup of Nations group stage a decade ago, suggesting there won't be goals!
Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea preview
In recent times, Burkina Faso have regularly made deep runs at the Africa Cup of Nations, so just how far will they go this time? The Stallions were AFCON runners-up in 2013, beaten 1-0 by Nigeria in Johannesburg, subsequently reaching the semi-finals in both 2017 and 2022. Given all of that, last year's edition was pretty underwhelming, ousted by Mali in the round of 16 in Korhogo.
Since then, Brama Traoré's team have qualified for this competition rather easily, before impressing in World Cup qualification, finishing second in their group, only pipped to a spot in the USA by Egypt. So, Burkina Faso might just kick off as favourites for victory in Casablanca on Wednesday.
As for Equatorial Guinea, they made their Africa Cup of Nations debut as co-hosts in 2012, again qualifying as sole hosts three years later. Now though, they've qualified for each of the last three editions based on sporting merit, so are becoming tournament regulars.
Amazingly, across their four previous appearances, the National Thunder have never been eliminated in the group stages, a fact they're seeking to maintain. Back in 2022, they reached the quarter-finals, ousted by Senegal in Yaoundé, before exiting in the round of 16 at last year's edition, conceding in the 98th minute as they were beaten 1-0 by Guinea in Abidjan. With Algeria favourites to top this section and Sudan likely to be Group E's whipping boys, this is a crucial opener for both, so can either pick up three points at Stade Mohammed V?
Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 3.
- Burkina Faso Wins: 1. Draws: 2. Equatorial Guinea Wins: Zero.
Burkina Faso team news
Brama Traoré's squad features many European-based players, with Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba likely to partner Nasser Djiga of Rangers at the back, alongside Issa Kaboré of Wrexham.
Further forward, Premier League stars Bertrand Traoré and Dango Ouattara will be the starting wingers, with Lassina Traoré of Shakhtar Donetsk looking to add to his tally of 12 international goals,
Burkina Faso predicted lineup vs Equatorial Guinea: (4-3-3): Koffi; Kaboré, Djiga, Tapsoba, Ayinde; Touré, Sangaré, Badolo; B Traoré, L Traoré, Ouattara.
Burkina Faso player to watch vs Equatorial Guinea
Bertrand Traoré remains Burkina Faso's talisman, netting 22 times for the Stallions, chasing down Moumouni Dagano's all-time record of 34, seeking to score at a fourth different edition of AFCON.
Equatorial Guinea team news
Equatorial Guinea is the only African country where Spanish is an official language, hence why a large number of Juan Michá's squad ply their trade in Spain.
This includes midfielder Omar Mascarell, who has made ten La Liga appearances for Mallorca this season, while forward Loren Zúñiga is with Real Madrid Castilla. Pedro Obiang, once of West Ham, is one of their more experienced players.
Equatorial Guinea predicted lineup vs Burkina Faso: (4-3-3): Owono; Senra, Akapo, Anieboh, Ndong; E Obiang, P Obiang, Mascarell; Iban Edú, Nsue, Luís Asué.
Equatorial Guinea player to watch vs Burkina Faso
Captain Emilio Nsue remains his country. The 36 year old scored five times during the most-recent Cup of Nations, picking up the golden boot, so can he add to his 22 international goals?
Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea prediction
As already documented, the three previous meetings between these two have produced just one goal, so don't expect a high-scoring affair at Stade Mohammed V, but we are backing Burkina Faso to just edge this one in Casablanca on Christmas Eve: Burkina Faso 1-0 Equatorial Guinea.
Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea takes place on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December 2025, with kick off at 12:30 (GMT), 7:30 (ET) & 4:30 (PT).