Riyad Mahrez delivered a vintage masterclass as Algeria opened their AFCON 2025 journey with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Sudan in Group E.
The veteran winger struck twice, set the tone from the first whistle, and ultimately became Algeria’s highest scorer in tournament history. His early brilliance propelled confidence across the Desert Warriors as they immediately showed their title intentions.
The breakthrough came inside two minutes. Hicham Boudaoui’s clever backheel released Mahrez, who powered a superb left-footed finish past Monged Elneel, moving ahead of Lakhdar Belloumi in Algeria’s AFCON scoring charts. Sudan, however, refused to wilt instantly and briefly fought back with courage.
Yaser Awad twice forced Luca Zidane into strong saves, and Sudan looked competitive for long spells. Yet their spirited resistance slowly faded as Algeria tightened control and began dictating every phase of the contest. Just when Sudan appeared settled, their momentum collapsed after Salaheldin Alhassan received a second yellow card late in the first half.
Mahrez doubles lead as clinical Algeria maintain total command and cruise to opening victory
With Sudan reduced to ten men, Algeria gradually increased pressure and refused to relax. Chances fell to Fares Chaïbi and Baghdad Bounedjah, but it was Mahrez again who delivered the killer moment. He calmly latched onto Mohamed Amoura’s pass and buried a composed finish to cement Algeria’s advantage.
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Sudan’s goalkeeper produced further heroics to deny Amoura, while another thunderous effort crashed against the post. However, Algeria were relentless and their control remained absolute throughout the closing stages of the game. Ibrahim Maza eventually completed the scoring with a sharp finish after Bounedjah nodded the ball into his path.
Although Sudan showed bravery and heart despite internal national difficulties, they lacked the quality to consistently threaten their opponents. Algeria rarely had to accelerate beyond comfort, yet still produced authority and ruthless poise across ninety controlled minutes.
Next, the Desert Warriors face a tougher assignment against Burkina Faso, while Sudan will battle Equatorial Guinea.
Tags: Riyad Mahrez, #AFCON2025, Desert Warriors, Baghdad Bounedjah, Fares Chaïbi, Mohamed Amoura, Monged Elneel, Lakhdar Belloum, Ibrahim Maza, Hicham Boudaoui, Algeria, Sudan.
