Reaching the finals was a considerable feat for Sudan in the context of the conflict that started in their homeland in April 2023, and this result has given their hopes of advancing to the next stage a huge boost – having taken one point in 2021 on their only appearance since 2012.
Equatorial Guinea had been in front in the 94th minute of that opening defeat, and Juan Micha’s players spurned several presentable opportunities to take the lead again this time around.
Pedro Obiang sent an early half-volley sailing over the bar from close range, taking aim while off balance after good work by Jose Machin inside the box.
There were 10 minutes of first-half added time in an occasionally attritional game, including the introduction of Josete Miranda – who would blaze a shot well over the bar as part of a clever free-kick routine – for the injured Marvin Anieboh after 25 minutes.
Sudan’s Monged Elneel also appeared to have his vision checked after going down unchallenged inside his penalty area, and the goalkeeper might have conceded when half-time substitute Jose Nabil Ondo almost made an instant impact.
The Nantes II prospect, who turned 20 last month, made a darting run inside the box before shooting narrowly wide, then sent Real Madrid Castilla forward Loren Zuniga through on goal for a shot against the sidenetting.
Having profited from Juan Coco’s misfortune, Sudan threatened a swift second when Mohamed Eisa had a shot blocked on the line, while Equatorial Guinea substitute Emilio Nsue, who was the top scorer at the last Afcon with five goals, lifted a shot narrowly wide late on.
Despite their task becoming tougher, Equatorial Guinea will have a feasible chance of progressing if they win their decider – as will Sudan even if they lose.
Mauritania lost their first two games at the 2023 finals but were one of four third-placed teams to reach the last 16 after winning their closing group game, while eventual champions Ivory Coast also advanced with three points.
That total had proved enough to progress at the previous finals, while three teams went through on three points each at the 2019 edition, although Kenya missed out on goal difference.
