All three previous meetings between these two nations have come since 2022.
Equatorial Guinea beat Algeria 1-0 at that year's AFCON in Douala before, in qualifying for this tournament, the Fennecs won 2-0 in Oran followed by a goalless draw in Malabo.
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria preview
Algeria have been ultra-impressive at this Africa Cup of Nations thus far, so will they win again at Moulay El Hassan Stadium? In their opener a week ago, Vladimir Petković's team swatted aside Sudan 3-0; Riyad Mahrez bagging a brace, before Ibrahim Maza was also on target. Then, on Sunday, Mahrez converted a penalty as the Fennecs defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in Rabāṭ.
As a result, Algeria have rubber stamped top spot in Group E, thereby set to face the Group D runners-up, likely to be DR Congo, in their round of 16 tie on Tuesday evening. The Desert Foxes won the Cup of Nations for the first time in 39 years back in 2019, only to then crash out in the group stages at both subsequent editions, without so much as winning a match both times. Well, they've already done better than that, with Algeria looking like one of the front-runners to go all the way.
In stark contrast, this has been a disastrous campaign for Equatorial Guinea, already guaranteed to be heading home after this match. The National Thunder looked on course to beat Burkina Faso in their opener, taking the lead through Marvin Anieboh in the 85th minute, only to concede in both the 95th and then 98th minutes in Casablanca. Then, on Sunday, Saúl Coco's late own goal condemned his team to a shock 1-0 defeat against minnows Sudan at Stade Mohammed V.
Prior to this tournament, Equatorial Guinea had never been eliminated in the Cup of Nations group stages, featuring at the competition on four occasions previously, most notably getting all the way to the semi-finals as hosts a decade ago. Now though, all Juan Michá's team are playing for is to avoid exiting pointless, so can they upset Algeria in Rabāṭ?
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 3.
- Equatorial Guinea Wins: 1. Draws: 1. Algeria Wins: 1.
Equatorial Guinea team news
Despite having nothing tangible to play for, Juan Michá's team will be at full strength, seeking to at least restore some pride.
Basilio Ndong can return at left-back, having been sent off on matchday one, while talisman Emilio Nsue has seen just 13 minutes of action at, what could be, his final Cup of Nations.
Equatorial Guinea predicted lineup vs Algeria: (4-5-1): Owono; Akapo, E Obiang, Coco, Anieboh; P Obiang, Mascarell, Machín, Salvador, Eneme; Zúñiga.
Equatorial Guinea player to watch vs Algeria
Loren Zúñiga of Real Madrid Castilla changed his international allegiance earlier this year, so can the striker now score his first goal for the National Thunder?
Algeria team news
Looking ahead of their last 16 tie in six night's time, Vladimir Petković is expected to heavily rotate.
Luca Zidane has started both matches so far in goal, but Anthony Mandrea could be given an opportunity here, with Ramy Bensebaïni, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Aïssa Mandi, Ibrahim Maza and Riyad Mahrez among the other key figures likely to be rested.
Algeria predicted lineup vs Equatorial Guinea: (4-3-3): Mandrea; Atal, Amine Tougai, Belaïd, Hadjam; Zorgane, Zerrouki, Chaïbi; Hadj Moussa, Bounedjah, Boulbina.
Algeria player to watch vs Equatorial Guinea
Baghdad Bounedjah scored the only goal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final when Algeria beat Senegal in Cairo, so can the veteran now add to his 35 international goals?
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria prediction
This match is tough to call, given that both are guaranteed to remain in their current position, but Algeria should have too much quality, even if they do rotate: Equatorial Guinea 0-2 Algeria.
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria 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 Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria 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 Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria takes place on New Year's Eve, Wednesday 31 December 2025, with kick off at 19:00 (GMT), 14:00 (ET) & 11:00 (PT).