Date 29 May 1959 Attendance 30,000 | Venue Mokhtar El-Tetsh Stadium | |
United Arab Republic v Sudan was the decisive match of group stage at the 1959 African Cup of Nations. The match was played at the Al Ahly Stadium in Cairo on 29 May 1959. Unlike other Cup of Nations, the 1959 winner was determined by a final group stage, with the final three teams playing in round-robin format, instead of a knockout stage.
Each team having defeated Ethiopia but the goal difference was in favor of United Arab Republic, Sudan needed a win while United Arab Republic needed only to avoid defeat to claim the title of African Cup of Nations.
United Arab Republic beat Sudan 2−1, keeping 1st place in the group, and winning their 2nd title.
Background
The road to the title in the 1959 African Cup of Nations was unique; used round-robin group instead of a knockout stage, The final three teams were United Arab Republic (host country), Sudan and Ethiopia.
United Arab Republic and Sudan won their first match against Ethiopia, UAR won 4–0, go to top of the group with two points going into the final match. while Sudan won by 1–0, Sudan were close behind in second place.