Burkina Faso — Equatorial Guinea Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 24 December 2025
On December 24, 2025, in Round 1 of the Africa Cup of Nations, Group E, Burkina Faso will face Equatorial Guinea. The match is scheduled to kick off at 13:30 Central European Time. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this clash.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso approach their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations in solid form and with high confidence. The team are currently unbeaten in six consecutive matches, showing strong stability and consistency in their performances.
They came close to qualifying for the World Cup, finishing second in their qualification group. However, due to tiebreakers, Burkina Faso narrowly missed out on advancing to the next round. Overall, they collected 21 points from 10 matches, scoring 23 goals and conceding only 8, finishing five points behind group leaders Egypt.
Following the qualification campaign, Burkina Faso played two friendly matches and won both, beating Benin and Niger, which further underlines their positive momentum ahead of the tournament.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Burkina Faso finished second in their group and advanced to the knockout stage, where they were eliminated by Mali in the Round of 16.
Looking at head-to-head meetings against Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso have never lost. The teams have faced each other three times, with Burkina Faso recording one win and two draws.
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea approach this match in a very different form compared to their opponents. Over their last six matches in all competitions, including friendlies, the team have recorded two wins, three defeats, and one draw, showing inconsistent results.
Their World Cup qualification campaign was far from convincing. Equatorial Guinea finished fifth in their group with 11 points, scoring only 8 goals while conceding 15, which highlights ongoing problems both in attack and defense.
Matches involving Equatorial Guinea have generally been low-scoring. Four of their last five games ended with a total of under 2.5 goals, underlining their cautious and defensive approach.
At the previous Africa Cup of Nations, Equatorial Guinea performed very solidly in the group stage, finishing first and advancing to the knockout rounds. However, just like their upcoming opponents, they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Guinea. At the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Equatorial Guinea also had a strong run, reaching the quarter-finals.
Probable Lineups
- Burkina Faso: Koffi, Kouassi, Dayo, Tapsoba, Yago, Sangare, Ki, Toure, Ouattara, L.Traore, B.Traore
- Equatorial Guinea: Owono, Orozco, Ndong, Coco, Akapo, Machin, Ganet, Miranda, Mascarell, Salvador, Nsue
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- Burkina Faso have won 5 of their last 6 matches.
- 5 of Burkina Faso’s last 7 matches have seen over 2.5 goals.
- Burkina Faso scored first in 3 of their last 4 matches.
- 4 of Equatorial Guinea’s last 5 matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
- Burkina Faso are unbeaten in the last 3 head-to-head matches against Equatorial Guinea.
- The last 3 head-to-head matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
Burkina Faso — Equatorial Guinea Prediction
Both teams approach the start of this tournament in very different form. Burkina Faso look much more convincing overall. The team performed strongly in World Cup qualification, narrowly missing out on advancing further, and continued to show solid and confident results during their preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations. Equatorial Guinea, on the other hand, have been far less consistent in recent matches and delivered a rather disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. Head-to-head history also favors Burkina Faso, who have never lost to this opponent. Matches between these two sides are usually very tight and low-scoring, with a strong focus on defensive football. Taking into account current form, Burkina Faso’s greater consistency, and their historical advantage in head-to-head meetings, they are rightly considered the favorites for this match. My bet for this match: Burkina Faso to win at odds of 1.75.
