- Mahrez brace powers Algeria to win in AFCON 2025 opener.
- The captain scored in each half as 2019 champions Algeria eased to a 3-0 win over 10-man Sudan.
- Algeria are in Group E against Burkina Faso, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.
Algeria delivered a commanding reminder of their pedigree with a polished and ruthless performance that saw them brush aside Sudan 3-0 in their opening Group E clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Inspired by captain Riyad Mahrez, the Desert Foxes struck early, controlled proceedings with authority and capitalized fully on Sudan’s mistakes to seal a convincing victory.
The contest was barely settled before Algeria announced their intentions. Within the opening three minutes, sustained pressure paid off as Mahrez found space inside the box and finished with trademark composure.
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The early goal immediately shifted the dynamic of the match, allowing Algeria to dictate tempo while forcing Sudan to abandon their original game plan far earlier than expected.
Despite falling behind, Sudan refused to fold quietly. They showed courage in possession and were willing to take risks, particularly from distance.
Abuaagla Abdalla attempted his luck from well over 35 metres, while Abdel Raouf came agonizingly close to an equaliser when he fired just over the bar from close range. Those moments briefly unsettled Algeria and served as a warning that Sudan were not prepared to be passive participants.
However, the game’s defining moment arrived before the interval. A reckless challenge by Salaheldin Alhassan resulted in a straight red card, leaving Sudan reduced to ten men with over half the match still to play.
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Mahrez brace powers Algeria to win in AFCON 2025 opener
From that point on, the uphill task became mountainous. Algeria, experienced and tactically disciplined, slowed the game down, spread the play and exploited the numerical advantage with patience rather than panic.
The second half followed a familiar pattern. Algeria pressed higher, recycled possession efficiently, and gradually wore down Sudan’s resistance. Chances continued to fall their way, with Baghdad Bounedjah missing a clear opportunity before Mahrez once again took centre stage.
His second goal, a calm left-footed finish, effectively ended the contest, and his third shortly afterwards completed a superb individual display that underlined his importance to the team.
Sudan, drained physically and mentally, struggled to mount any meaningful response. Their sporadic attempts lacked precision, while Algeria’s defensive structure remained intact. The dominance was eventually capped off late on when Ibrahim Meza added a third goal, putting a gloss on a performance that had been assured from the opening whistle.
This was more than just three points for Algeria who have been struggling in the past editions at the group stage level.They showed control, maturity and intent.
With former Manchester City winger Mahrez leading by example and the team showing balance across the pitch, the Desert Foxes sent a clear message to their Group E rivals – they are built for the long run in this tournament and remain one of AFCON 2025’s most serious contenders.
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