Sudan reignite AFCON knockout hopes with gritty win over Equatorial Guinea

The decisive moment arrived midway through the second half when pressure from a Sudanese delivery into the penalty area caused panic in the Equatorial Guinea defence. Centre-back Saul Coco, attempting to deal with the danger, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 74th minute, handing Sudan a priceless lead on a cold evening at the Mohamed V Stadium.

Until then, the contest had been tight and physical. A stop-start first half, disrupted by injuries, saw Equatorial Guinea forced into an early change when Santiago Eneme was replaced by Josete Miranda before the half-hour mark. Clear chances were scarce, with goalkeepers Monged Abuzaid and Jesus Owono largely untroubled as the sides went into the break level.

Sudan showed greater intent after the interval, aided by the introduction of Yasir Mozamil, and were rewarded when the deadlock was finally broken.

Equatorial Guinea attempted to respond, sending on experienced forward Emilio Nsue, who came close to equalising with a late effort that drifted narrowly wide. However, Sudan's disciplined defensive display held firm to secure the win.

The victory - Sudan's first at the AFCON finals since 2012 and only their second in 18 tournament matches since their 1970 triumph - lifts Kwesi Appiah's side to three points from two games and into contention for a knockout berth.

Ranked 117th in the world, the Falcons of Jediane now head into a decisive final group clash against Burkina Faso on New Year's Eve knowing a place in the Round of 16 remains within reach.

READ MORE: Toni Kroos backs Xabi Alonso to win over Real Madrid doubters