Published:
Tuesday, 30 December 2025
Sudan take on Botswana on New Year’s Eve at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, in what will be a blockbuster clash for the second spot in Group E of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025.
More than just three points will be at stake, as the clash will determine who clinches the second place in the group, with Algeria already assured of topping.
Both teams come into the fixture in a relatively comfortable position, having already secured qualification to the Round of 16. A tally of three points has proven sufficient to progress, either as second place or one of the best placed number three sides.
However, the importance of this fixture remains significant, as it will decide whether either side finishes second or third in the group, a factor that could influence the knockout-stage pathway.
The Falcons of Jediane, under the guidance of Kwesi Appiah, will be aiming to maintain their balanced performances. Tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and swift transitions have been the hallmarks of Sudan’s campaign so far.
Fine margins, such as positional awareness, set-piece efficiency, and game management are expected to play a crucial role in tilting the contest.
Burkina Faso, coached by Brama Traoré, will look to impose their style, drawing strength from a robust midfield, physical intensity, and the continental experience within their squad. With qualification pressure eased, Les Stallions will be driven by the desire to improve their group standing and respond positively after their recent defeat to Algeria.
A tactical duel is widely anticipated, with both teams keen to avoid costly errors. A single moment could prove decisive in shaping both the result and the final Group E rankings, underlining the competitive quality of the two sides at this edition of the AFCON.
What was said:
Kwesi Appiah (Sudan Head Coach):
“Our match against Burkina Faso will be an important one. They have players with real quality, but we also have a good team and we have prepared well. It will be an exciting game for everyone. As a coach, I always focus on the next match, not the past ones. Burkina Faso have a very strong squad, with many players based in Europe, so beating them will not be easy. We will give everything we have and raise our ambitions to make the Sudanese people happy.
“The situation is difficult for us, as everyone knows what Sudan is going through because of the war. Despite that, our players have given everything. Our goal is to bring a smile to the faces of Sudanese people and make them proud. When you qualify for a competition, you must show why you deserve to be there, and we will fight to win.”
Mohamed Issa (Sudan Player):
“We have prepared well for the Burkina Faso match and we are fully ready for this challenge. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent and everyone is focused on the next game. Before the Equatorial Guinea match, our aim was to win and qualify, and we achieved that. The celebrations after qualification were special. Our families and our people were very happy, and that is exactly what we wanted.”
Brama Traoré (Burkina Faso Head Coach):
“Every team here has made progress, and no one can say Sudan are not a good side. They have a well-known coach who played a major role in their qualification, so we consider Sudan one of the strong African teams. We will approach this match with all our resources and introduce new faces as we look for victory.
“We are progressing step by step and our plan is clear. We will play intelligently and adapt our approach to the opponent. Our supporters are everywhere, and our people are waiting for us to make them proud. That is what we will strive to do.”
Ibrahim Kaboré (Burkina Faso Player):
“We are fully focused on our match against Sudan and we know how important it is ahead of the next round. The choices are always the coach’s, and I respect them. I am always ready to give my best for my country, whether I start or come off the bench. For me, the most important thing is the collective effort.”
Match facts:
This will be the second official meeting between Sudan and Burkina Faso. It is their first encounter at the AFCON finals since the 2012 edition.
Their only previous AFCON meeting came in the group stage of AFCON 2012, when Sudan claimed a 2–1 victory over Burkina Faso.
