AFCON 2025: Riyad Mahrez Scores Twice in Algeria’s 3-0 Victory Against Sudan

Riyad Mahrez delivered a masterclass performance as Algeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sudan in their Group E opener at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

The former African champions entered the tournament eager to restore pride after disappointing group-stage exits in the previous two editions. With Riyad Mahrez leading from the front, Algeria made a strong statement of intent, combining early aggression, tactical discipline, and attacking quality to overwhelm a Sudan side that was eventually reduced to 10 men.

Match Summary Table:

• Competition: Africa Cup of Nations 2025
• Group: Group E
• Fixture: Algeria vs Sudan
• Result: Algeria 3-0 Sudan
• Venue: Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
• Star Player: Riyad Mahrez
• Goalscorers: Riyad Mahrez (2), Ibrahim Maza
• Red Card: Salah Adel (Sudan)
• Algeria Coach: Vladimir Petkovic

Algeria could not have asked for a better start. Inside two minutes, Riyad Mahrez showcased his trademark composure, curling a precise left-footed effort into the corner after a clever backheel assist from Hicham Boudaoui. The early breakthrough immediately put Sudan under pressure and energized the Algerian supporters in Rabat.

Despite the setback, Sudan showed brief signs of resilience. Yaser Awad Boshara tested goalkeeper Luca Zidane twice, forcing the Algerian defense to remain alert. However, Sudan’s uphill task became significantly harder six minutes before the break when Salah Adel received a second yellow card, leaving his side a man down against superior opposition.

Riyad Mahrez Leads Algeria’s Attacking Control

After the interval, Algeria maintained control but initially struggled to turn possession into clear chances. Sudan defended deep and relied on goalkeeper Monged Elneel, who produced several smart interventions to keep the scoreline respectable.

Patience eventually paid off just after the hour mark. Riyad Mahrez struck again, timing his run perfectly to meet Mohamed Amoura’s incisive through-ball. With calm assurance, Riyad Mahrez took a touch before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 and effectively settle the contest.

The goal highlighted the growing understanding between Riyad Mahrez and Amoura, a partnership that new head coach Vladimir Petkovic appears keen to build his attacking system around. Algeria continued to push forward, with Amoura himself coming close to scoring when his fierce volley crashed against the right-hand post.

Sudan, to their credit, continued to fight despite their numerical disadvantage. Elneel produced two impressive saves late on to deny substitute Adil Boulbina, preventing the score from becoming more emphatic.

Historic Night for Algeria and Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez

Algeria eventually added a third goal five minutes from time. Substitute Ibrahim Maza reacted quickest to Baghdad Bounedjah’s knockdown inside the six-yard box, calmly finishing to make it 3-0. The strike carried historical significance, as it marked Algeria’s 100th goal in Africa Cup of Nations history.

For Riyad Mahrez, the night was equally memorable. His brace made him Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations, underlining his enduring importance to the national team even at 34 years old. Riyad Mahrez also topped several performance metrics, including touches in the opposition box and pass accuracy, further emphasizing his influence on the game.

The win sent Algeria top of Group E on goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso, who claimed a dramatic late victory over Equatorial Guinea in the group’s other fixture. Algeria will remain in Rabat for their next match against Burkina Faso, while Sudan travel to Casablanca seeking a response against Equatorial Guinea.

Beyond the result, the performance offered encouragement for Petkovic, who replaced Djamel Belmadi following Algeria’s early exit at the 2023 finals. The calm authority shown by Riyad Mahrez, combined with Algeria’s balance across the pitch, suggested a side capable of making a deep run in AFCON 2025.

For Sudan, qualification for the tournament itself remains a significant achievement, given the challenges posed by ongoing civil unrest at home. However, facing a side led by a player of Riyad Mahrez’s quality proved a step too far on this occasion.

As the tournament progresses, Algeria’s ambitions will grow, and with Riyad Mahrez in this form, they look well-equipped to challenge once again for continental glory.