Algeria commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a decisive 3-0 victory over a 10-man Sudan in their Group E opener held in Rabat. Veteran forward Riyad Mahrez spearheaded the triumph, scoring two crucial goals that underscored Algeria’s aspirations as former champions. The match, played at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, saw the North African side establish early dominance, setting a strong precedent for their tournament journey.
The Desert Foxes, champions in 2019, wasted no time in asserting their authority on the pitch. Mahrez opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a clever backheel by midfielder Hicham Boudaoui created the initial opportunity, drawing a foul within the box. Despite Algeria’s control, Sudan’s Yaser Awad Boshara managed to test goalkeeper Luca Zidane on two occasions, demonstrating glimpses of resilience from the underdogs.
However, Sudan’s challenge intensified significantly just six minutes before the half-time whistle when midfielder Salah Adel received his second yellow card, leading to his dismissal. This numerical disadvantage proved to be a critical turning point, forcing Sudan to adopt a more defensive posture and further empowering Algeria’s attacking prowess, making their already difficult task against a higher-ranked opponent even more arduous.
Riyad Mahrez, at 34 years old, capitalized on the shifting dynamics shortly after the hour mark. He calmly slotted home his second goal following a precise through-ball from Mohamed Amoura, doubling Algeria’s advantage. This strike not only solidified their lead but also highlighted the burgeoning understanding between the experienced Mahrez and the younger Amoura, a partnership that consistently troubled the Sudanese defence.
Algeria sealed their comprehensive victory five minutes from time, with Ibrahim Maza converting Baghdad Bounedjah’s knockdown from close range, just outside the six-yard box. This goal held particular significance, marking Algeria’s 100th goal in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, a testament to their enduring legacy in continental football. Substitute Adil Boulbina nearly added a fourth in injury time, but was denied by two fine saves from Sudan’s goalkeeper Monged Elneel.
Following this result, Algeria now sits atop Group E on goal difference, ahead of Burkina Faso, who secured a 2-1 win against Equatorial Guinea earlier in the day. The victories set the stage for a highly anticipated clash between the group’s two frontrunners, promising an exciting battle for supremacy in the initial stages of the tournament.
The Algerian squad remains in Rabat for their next fixture, a crucial encounter against Burkina Faso scheduled for Sunday at 17:30 GMT. Meanwhile, Sudan will travel to Casablanca to face Equatorial Guinea at 15:00 GMT, seeking to bounce back from their opening defeat and keep their qualification hopes alive in what promises to be a challenging group.
Under the guidance of new coach Vladimir Petkovic, formerly of Switzerland, Algeria displayed a cohesive performance. Petkovic, who took the helm after Djamel Belmadi’s departure following the 2023 finals, has quickly instilled a clear tactical approach, evident in the fluid attacking movements and the strong partnership between Mahrez and Amoura that proved so effective.
The atmosphere at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium was electric, with a packed crowd celebrating every Algerian attack. Coach Petkovic’s decision to withdraw Mahrez with 12 minutes remaining not only allowed the veteran to conserve energy but also demonstrated Algeria’s depth and confidence in managing the game’s final stages without their star player.
Sudan’s qualification for the finals itself was a remarkable achievement, given the ongoing civil war in Khartoum which has forced them to play all their home games outside the country. However, facing an Algerian side ranked 83 places higher in the FIFA rankings, coupled with Mahrez’s early breakthrough and the subsequent red card, ultimately proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for the Falcons of Jediane.
