Algeria Kicks Off Afcon 2025 with Impressive Victory Over Sudan

Algeria kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Sudan in their Group E opener at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The North African side, seeking redemption after failing to advance past the group stage in the past two editions, dominated the match with a stellar performance led by former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez, now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, put Algeria ahead early in the game with a characteristic left-footed curl from 12 yards, assisted by Hicham Boudaoui's clever backheel. Sudan's Yaser Awad Boshara tested Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane twice, but the visitors' task became even more challenging when Salah Adel was sent off for a second bookable offense just six minutes before halftime.

The second half saw Mahrez double the lead with a calm finish inside the box, following a clever through-ball from Mohamed Amoura. Amoura, who plays for VfL Wolfsburg, came close to adding a third goal when his powerful volley hit the right-hand upright.

Ibrahim Maza sealed the victory with a header from Baghdad Bounedjah's knockdown, making it 3-0 with just five minutes left on the clock. This goal marked Algeria's 100th in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sudan's goalkeeper Monged Elneel made two impressive saves in added time to deny substitute Adil Boulbina, but it was too little too late for the underdogs. Algeria topped Group E on goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso, who secured a 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea earlier on Wednesday. Algeria will face Burkina Faso in Rabat on Sunday, while Sudan travels to Casablanca to take on Equatorial Guinea.

Algeria, who won the title in 2019, replaced Djamel Belmadi with Vladimir Petkovic after their unsuccessful campaign in the 2023 finals. The 62-year-old Swiss coach led the team to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with a strong attacking duo of Mahrez and Amoura. Petkovic’s tactics paid off as Algeria’s every attack was met with roaring support from the packed stadium.

The match also marked the debut of Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane. The 27-year-old, who plays for Granada in Spain's second tier, made his full international debut in October after switching his allegiance from France.

Sudan's qualification for the finals was a notable achievement, given that they have been playing all their games outside the country since the civil war began in Khartoum in April 2023. However, the gap in quality between the two teams proved too wide, especially after Mahrez's early goal and the red card.

Coach James Kwesi Appiah might have grievances over Adel's first yellow card, which seemed to be for a minor challenge on Ramy Bensebaini. Nevertheless, Algeria’s superior skill and strategy ensured a comfortable victory.