By SCM Staff Writer in Morocco
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO — The legendary Stade Mohamed V has witnessed its fair share of footballing history, but few moments in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations will feel as cruel as the 74th-minute disaster that handed Sudan a priceless 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.
Under the towering floodlights of the 67,000-capacity “Temple of Moroccan Football,” the atmosphere was thick with tension as both sides fought for survival in Group E.
Known for its intimidating acoustics and vibrant footballing heritage, the venue provided a grand stage for a match that was eventually decided by a moment of pure slapstick.
Equatorial Guinea dominated possession for long stretches, but they found the Sudanese defense—and the intimidating backdrop of the Casablanca stadium—a tough nut to crack. The “National Thunder” peppered the goal but failed to find their clinical edge.
The breakthrough came out of nowhere. A wicked free-kick whipped into the box caused chaos among the defenders.
In a desperate attempt to clear the danger, Torino defender Saul Coco inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Sudan, managed by Kwesi Appiah, retreated into a defensive shell for the final fifteen minutes. Every clearance was met with a roar from the neutral Moroccan fans who had gathered to see the spectacle at one of Africa’s most iconic arenas.
While Equatorial Guinea threw everything forward, Sudan held firm to secure their first AFCON finals win in over a decade.
The victory breathes new life into their campaign, leaving Equatorial Guinea facing a monumental task at the same venue in their final group fixture.
For Sudan, the Stade Mohamed V will now be remembered as the place where their tournament was reborn; for Coco and his teammates, it is the site of a Casablanca nightmare.
