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Algeria 3–0 Sudan
Algeria kicked off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, recording a dominant 3–0 win over Sudan on Wednesday night at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, in their opening Group E encounter.
The 2019 champions, nicknamed the Fennecs, secured their first AFCON finals victory since lifting the trophy in Cairo, thanks to a superb brace from captain Riyad Mahrez and a late strike from substitute Ibrahim Maza, signaling a strong statement of intent on the continental stage.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Algeria wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match. Just two minutes into the contest, Mahrez calmly slotted home after a perfectly weighted through ball from Hicham Boudaoui, catching the Sudanese defense unprepared.
Sudan’s challenge became even tougher in the 39th minute, when Salah El-Din Adel was shown a second yellow card and sent off, leaving his side with ten men before half-time. Algeria went into the break with a 1–0 lead and full control of proceedings.
Mahrez Shines as Algeria Cruise
After the restart, coach Vladimir Petkovic’s side raised the tempo and capitalized on their numerical advantage. Mahrez struck again in the 61st minute, finishing expertly after a brilliant assist from Mohamed Amine Amoura.
Algeria put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute, when substitute Ibrahim Maza found the net following a pass from Baghdad Bounedjah, completing a polished team performance.
Group E Standings
The victory places Algeria top of Group E with three points, level with Burkina Faso, while Sudan and Equatorial Guinea remain without points after the opening round of matches.
Reactions
🏅 Riyad Mahrez — TotalEnergies Man of the Match
“Being named Man of the Match is a bonus. The most important thing was the victory — we showed that we have real collective strength. We had a bit of luck, and God willing, may it continue.”
Kwesi Appiah — Sudan Head Coach
“We were up against a stronger side. This Algerian team has serious quality in every aspect. We will do everything to bounce back in the next game.”
