Sudan reignited their Africa Cup of Nations hopes with a surprise 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, as a cruel deflection off Saúl Coco proved decisive in a tense Group encounter.
Both teams came into the contest needing a response after opening-round defeats, and it was Equatorial Guinea who started on the front foot. They dominated the early exchanges and carved out two clear chances inside the opening 25 minutes, with Pedro Obiang going closest when he fired a rebound narrowly over the crossbar after a poor defensive clearance.
Equatorial Guinea were unable to turn pressure into goals, despite their early control.A lengthy stoppage midway through the first half disrupted the rhythm of the game, and while several yellow cards were shown before the break, neither side managed to create a clear opening before half-time.
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The pattern continued after the restart, with Equatorial Guinea again threatening on the counter. Substitute José Nabil cut inside and drove a shot just wide of the far post in their best opportunity of the match.
Sudan responded around the hour mark when Mohamed Eisa saw his effort dramatically cleared off the line by Esteban Orozco.
Sudan struck the decisive blow against the run of play in the 74th minute. A dangerous free-kick into the penalty area took a deflection off defender Saúl Coco and found its way into the net, leaving Equatorial Guinea stunned.
Former Black Stars gaffer Kwesi Appiah picked up win number 11 in 31 matches in charge of Sudan. Photo Credit: Imago
Sudan nearly doubled their advantage soon after, with Yasir Mozamil’s cross almost turned in at the back post, but they ultimately focused on seeing out the result.
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The victory lifts the 117th-ranked nation back into contention for a place in the knockout stages, keeping alive hopes of progression for only the second time since 1970.
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it was a night of frustration for Equatorial Guinea as they failed to capitalise on their dominance and now face group favourites Algeria needing an unlikely win to advance.
