Algeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in commanding fashion with a comfortable 3–0 victory over 10-man Sudan in a Group E clash in Rabat on Wednesday, December 24.
Riyad Mahrez was the standout performer, scoring twice as the Desert Foxes made a strong opening statement at the tournament.
Algeria made a dream start after Baghdad Bounedjah delivered a superb pass into the box, where Hicham Boudaoui produced an intelligent backheel to tee up Mahrez, who calmly finished from close range.
The captain doubled his tally soon after, meeting a perfectly weighted pass from Mohamed Amoura, who used the outside of his boot to curl the ball into Mahrez’s path for a composed finish.
Algeria continued to dominate proceedings, and the third goal arrived following another well-worked move.
Bounedjah rose highest to head the ball into the path of Ibrahim Maza, who slotted home to score his first international goal in his ninth appearance. The strike marked Algeria’s 100th goal in Africa Cup of Nations history.
Sudan were reduced to ten men during the contest and struggled to cope with Algeria’s attacking quality, though goalkeeper Monged Elneel produced several impressive saves to prevent a heavier defeat.
Adil Boulbina was denied twice at point-blank range in stoppage time as Elneel capped a busy performance.
The match was watched by 1998 World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, whose son Luca Zidane featured in goal for Algeria, earning his second cap after switching international allegiance from France.
The former French youth international qualifies for Algeria through his paternal grandparents.
The win sends Algeria to the top of Group E on three points, ahead of Burkina Faso on goal difference. The Burkinabè secured a dramatic 2–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea earlier in the day.
Algeria will face Burkina Faso in their next Group E fixture in Rabat on Sunday, December 28.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
