Algeria eased to a comfortable 3-0 win over 10-man Sudan in their opening group E clash at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco, SportPremi reports.
Former African footballer of the year award winner Riyad Mahrez was the star of the show with a goal in each half, while Ibrahim Maza added a late third as they sealed a comprehensive victory to kickstart their campaign.
Algeria move to the top of the standings on goal difference, ahead of Burkina Faso who sealed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Equatorial Guinea earlier in the day.
First half: Mahrez strikes early as Algeria take first half lead
Algeria were favorites to secure maximum points in the clash, but were wary of the threat posed by the Sudanese.
With just a minute and 20 seconds on the clock, Riyad Mahrez put the Desert Warriors ahead after he got on the end of a swift counter attack and curled an effort into the bottom corner.
The goal also marked the fastest goal so far at the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
The game was played out at a slow pace with Algeria content on keeping possession with their one-goal advantage.
Sudan were reduced to 10 men in the 40th minute as Salah Adil was sent off for a second caution in the game after committing a foul.
Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini then had an effort ruled out in the 42nd minute for offside as they took a one-goal and one man advantage into the break.
Second half: Mahrez strikes again and Maza adds late third as Algeria seal victory
Algeria continued their dominance in the second half and deservedly doubled their tally through Mahrez, who bagged his second of the tournament.
The captain got on the end of a pass and rifled home a superb finish to increase his side’s advantage in the tie.
Mohamed Amoura then went close to a third for the dominant Desert Warriors, but his effort struck the goalpost.
Substitute Ibrahim Maza then added a third in the final five minutes of the game, although the Sudan goalkeeper could have done better in preventing the goal
Algeria sealed a 3-0 win as they began their campaign on a superb note.
Players Ratings
Algeria Players Ratings:
- Zidane – 8.0/10
- Belghali – 6.6/10
- Mandi – 7.0/10
- Bansebaini – 7.5/10
- Ait-Nouri – 7.4/10
- Boudaoui – 7.9/10
- Bennacer – 7.4/10
- Chaibi – 6.4/10
- Mahrez – 9.0/10
- Bounedjah – 7.5/10
- Amoura – 8.2/10
Substitutes
- Maza – 7.7/10
- Hadjam – 6.9/10
- Boulbina – 6.5/10
- Hadj Moussa – 6.3/10
- Zerrouki – 6.0/10
Sudan Players Ratings:
- El Neel – 5.4/10
- Khamis – 6.1/10
- Karshom – 5.8/10
- Ereng – 5.9/10
- Awad – 6.1/10
- Abdalla – 6.1/10
- Taifour – 6.6/10
- A. Eisa – 6.3/10
- Omer – 6.1/10
- Adil – 5.5/10
- M. Eisa – 5.6/10
Substitutes
- Nooh – 5.9/10
- Abdel-Rahman – 6.2/10
- Mozamil – 5.9/10
- Zaid – 6.3/10
Man of the match
Riyad Mahrez (9.0/10) – The Algerian captain proved his worth on the big stage once again with two goals to guide his side to victory in the clash.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Algeria 58% – 42% Sudan
Total Shots: Algeria 14 – 5 Sudan
Shots on target: Algeria 7 – 2 Sudan
Pass Accuracy: Algeria 88% – 80% Sudan
Corners: Algeria 11 – 1 Sudan
What Next?
Algeria are up against Burkina Faso in their second group game on Sunday, with both sides vying for qualification to the knockout rounds.
Sudan meanwhile, will face Equatorial Guinea in the other group clash, hoping to register their first points of the tournament.
