Captain Riyad Mahrez delivered a commanding performance as Algeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 3–0 victory over Sudan on Wednesday.
The 2019 champions dominated from the opening whistle, easing past a Sudanese side reduced to ten men before half-time. Algeria’s sharp start and clinical finishing set the tone for their Group E campaign.
Mahrez Sets The Pace Early
Mahrez opened the scoring after just 82 seconds, igniting celebrations among Algerian supporters at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Mohamed Amoura’s low cross found Hicham Boudaoui, whose clever back-heel set up Mahrez for a composed finish. Algeria continued to press, controlling possession and territory with confidence.
Sudan struggled to settle and their task became harder when Salaheldin Adil received a second yellow card six minutes before the break.
Algeria Maintain Control After The Break
Mahrez doubled Algeria’s advantage shortly after the hour mark, connecting with Amoura’s elegant outside-of-the-boot assist.
The former Manchester City winger, now with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli, marked his sixth AFCON appearance with authority. He later left the pitch to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Substitute Ibrahim Maza sealed the win late on, finishing calmly to score Algeria’s 100th goal in AFCON history.
Confidence Boost For Desert Foxes
France football legend Zinedine Zidane watched from the stands as Algeria produced one of their most assured AFCON displays in recent years.
“We wanted to start with a win and stay focused,” Mahrez said. “This is only the first match, but our ambition is clear.”
Algeria failed to win a match in their last two AFCON appearances. This result signals renewed belief and momentum.
Sudan, meanwhile, remain without a strong foothold at the tournament, having won only once in 17 AFCON matches since 1970.
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