AFCON 2025: Mahrez brace powers Algeria past 10-man Sudan
Riyad Mahrez delivered a decisive performance as Algeria opened their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Sudan in Group E on Wednesday in Rabat.
The Desert Foxes, champions in 2019 after a disappointing group-stage exit in the last two editions, set the tone early and never relinquished control, exploiting both their technical superiority and Sudan’s numerical disadvantage.
Early control and Mahrez opener
Algeria asserted dominance from the outset and were rewarded when Mahrez broke the deadlock with a trademark left-footed curler from inside the box, finishing calmly after a clever backheel assist from Hicham Boudaoui.
Sudan responded in brief spells, with Yaser Awad Boshara forcing two saves from Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, but their resistance weakened significantly when Salah Adel was sent off for a second yellow card six minutes before half-time.
Second-half authority and second Mahrez strike
With the extra man, Algeria tightened their grip after the restart. Mahrez doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark, timing his run perfectly to latch onto Mohamed Amoura’s through ball before slotting home with composure.
Amoura came close to extending the advantage moments later, smashing a volley against the post as Sudan struggled to cope defensively.
Late goal seals statement win
Algeria’s dominance was underlined five minutes from time when Ibrahim Maza converted from close range after Baghdad Bounedjah’s knockdown, registering the North Africans’ 100th goal in AFCON history.
Sudan goalkeeper Monged Elneel prevented further damage in stoppage time with two sharp saves from substitute Adil Boulbina.
Group E outlook
The result sends Algeria top of Group E on goal difference, ahead of Burkina Faso, who edged Equatorial Guinea 2–1 earlier in the day.
Algeria remain in Rabat to face Burkina Faso next, while Sudan travel to Casablanca to meet Equatorial Guinea, already under pressure to revive their campaign.
