Algeria began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a convincing 3–0 win over Sudan on Wednesday evening in the opening round of Group E of the continental tournament.
Captain Riyad Mahrez starred for the “Desert Warriors,” scoring twice to put Algeria firmly in control.
Mahrez opened the scoring early in the second minute, giving his side a dream start, before adding his second goal in the 61st minute.
Ibrahim Maza completed the rout with a third goal in the 85th minute.
The match took a decisive turn late in the first half when Sudan’s Salah Adel was shown a straight red card in the 39th minute.
Reduced to ten men, the “Nile Crocodiles” struggled to contain Algeria’s attacking pressure for the remainder of the game.
With this victory, Algeria collected their first three points and moved to the top of Group E on goal difference, ahead of Burkina Faso, who defeated Equatorial Guinea 2–1. The result significantly boosts Algeria’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Mahrez’s brace also saw him write his name into the history books at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He became Algeria’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament with eight goals, registered the fastest goal of the 2025 edition, and became the first Algerian player to score in four different AFCON tournaments.
Overall, Mahrez has now played 21 AFCON matches, contributing to 10 goals, with eight goals and two assists.
The match also drew attention off the pitch, as French football legend Zinedine Zidane was present in the stands to support his son, Luca Zidane, who started in goal for Algeria.
والده الأسطورة زيدان ويحمل شعار الجزائر.. يا لك من محظوظ يا لوكا😍
زيزو والعائلة حاضرون في ملعب مواجهة الجزائر والسودان لمشاهدة ابنه🔥🔥#AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/W5KZyjAIKk
— Kooora (@kooora) December 24, 2025
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