AFCON 2025: Mahrez scores twice as Algeria beat Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan
Riyad Mahrez struck twice as Algeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Sudan in their Group E opener in Rabat on Wednesday, December 24.
The North Africans, who lifted the title in 2019, were eager to make a strong statement after failing to progress beyond the group stage in the past two editions of the tournament.
Former Manchester City winger Mahrez gave Algeria a dream start with a trademark left-footed curling effort from close range, finishing superbly after being teed up by Hicham Boudaoui’s clever backheel.
Sudan showed brief attacking intent as Yaser Awad Boshara twice tested Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, but their task became significantly harder when Salah Adel was sent off for a second bookable offence six minutes before half-time.
Mahrez, 34, doubled Algeria’s advantage shortly after the hour mark, producing a composed finish inside the box after latching onto Mohamed Amoura’s incisive through-ball.
Wolfsburg striker Amoura went close to adding a third when his fierce volley crashed against the right-hand post, before Algeria eventually extended their lead late on.
With five minutes remaining, Ibrahim Maza pounced on Baghdad Bounedjah’s knockdown from close range to make it 3-0, registering Algeria’s 100th goal in Africa Cup of Nations history.
Sudan goalkeeper Monged Elneel prevented further damage in stoppage time with two fine saves to deny substitute Adil Boulbina.
The victory sent Algeria top of Group E on goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso, who earlier edged Equatorial Guinea 2-1. Algeria remain in Rabat to face the Stallions on Sunday (17:30 GMT), while Sudan travel to Casablanca to take on Equatorial Guinea earlier the same day (15:00 GMT).
