Preview: Algeria Faces Equatorial Guinea in Final AFCON Tune-Up

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (Interstat) — Algeria will look to carry its qualifying momentum into the new year when it visits Equatorial Guinea for an Africa Cup of Nations preparation match on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

The friendly, organized under the auspices of the Confederation of African Football as part of final preparations for the upcoming AFCON tournament, pits an Algerian side in strong form against a host nation seeking to correct its course.

Algeria concluded its qualifying campaign emphatically, defeating Somalia 3-0 on Oct. 9. The visiting Desert Foxes are expected to field a veteran-laden squad as they fine-tune tactics for the continental championship.

Equatorial Guinea, however, enters on a two-game losing skid in its own recent friendlies. The National Thunder fell 1-0 at home to Sudan on Sunday, Dec. 28, just days after a 2-1 away loss to Burkina Faso on Dec. 24. Those results have dampened local optimism ahead of the AFCON.

The match offers a final competitive test for both squads before official tournament play begins. Algeria, a perennial contender, will use the fixture to solidify its lineup. Equatorial Guinea aims to rediscover a defensive stability that has eluded it in the past week.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Algeria is projected to secure a 3-1 victory. The model reflects Algeria’s offensive prowess and the host’s recent defensive struggles.

Kickoff is set for Wednesday evening at Estadio de Malabo. The match is not part of official qualifying but serves as a critical assessment opportunity for both coaches. Algeria is likely to control possession, while Equatorial Guinea will rely on counter-attacks and home-field advantage to build confidence.

The encounter marks the final scheduled action for both nations in 2025.