Overview
Sudan started their journey at the African Cup in a less convincing way, when they suffered a 0-3 defeat to Algeria, another representative of North Africa.
Understanding that the door to the next round depends heavily on the second match of the group stage, Kwesi Appiah's team promptly saved themselves with a victory over Equatorial Guinea. The own goal in the second minute became a turning point, helping Sudan win all 3 points.
That is just Sudan's second victory in 14 matches at the CAN Cup since being crowned at home in 1970, interspersed with 3 draws and 9 defeats.
More importantly, this victory helps Sudan maintain the opportunity to win a ticket to the knockout round before the final match against Burkina Faso. With the "group final" nature, Sudan understands that victory will guarantee a ticket to the next round. A draw is enough for them to continue competing in the group of four third-placed teams with the best results after the group stage.
Sudan also has more grounds to be confident when they once defeated Burkina Faso with a score of 2-1 at the 2012 tournament.
In the opposite direction, Burkina Faso just suffered a minimal 0-1 defeat to Algeria in the penultimate group stage match, thereby ranking second in Group E. This result ends their 7-match unbeaten streak in all competitions (6 wins, 1 draw).
However, Burkina Faso is still considered a bright candidate for the second direct ticket of the group, because they have won the opening match and currently have a better goal difference than Sudan.
If they win, the "Stallions" will secure a place in the round of 16 for the fourth consecutive time. Conversely, if they fail, they will have to wait to know if they can advance as one of the best third-placed teams after the group stage or not.
With its position and tradition, Burkina Faso is expected not to encounter too many obstacles when facing Sudan.
Personnel situation
Both teams did not record any more injuries before the final match, which is also the most important match of the group stage.
On the Sudanese side, Salaheldin Alhassan may return after missing the previous match due to suspension. In goal, Monged Elneel is likely to continue to start, after a relatively good performance against Nzalang Nacional.
In the opposite direction, Brama Traore can continue to place his trust in the starting lineup in the match against Algeria. His students played well from the beginning of the match, but unfortunately still could not stop the opponent from scoring the only goal. However, number one goalkeeper Herve Koffi is still expected to hold a position in the goal.
Burkina Faso's defense is likely to include the quartet Steve Yago, Issoufou Dayo, Edmond Tapsoba and Arsene Kouassi, forming a shield against Koffi.
In attack, Bertrand Traore, Pierre Kabore and Dango Ouattara - who had an assist at the tournament - are predicted to lead the attacking trio.
Expected lineup:
Elneel, Barglan, Saeed Ahmed, Karshom, Khamis, Khidir, Omer, Taifour, Abdallah, Eisa, Abdelrahman.
Koffi, Yago, Dayo, Tapsoba, Kouassi, Sangare, Ouedraogo, Zougrana, Traore, Kabore, Ouattara.
The match between Sudan and Burkina Faso takes place at 11:00 PM on December 31st (Vietnam time).
