Riyad Mahrez scored a brace as Algeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over a 10-man Sudan in Rabat on Wednesday.

The Desert Foxes, who lifted the Afcon trophy in 2019, have struggled to replicate that success in subsequent tournaments, failing to progress beyond the group stage in the last two editions. However, under new coach Vladimir Petkovic, they appear revitalized.

Mahrez opened the scoring with a classic finish, curling a left-footed shot into the net from 12 yards after a clever backheel assist from Hicham Boudaoui. The goal set the tone for Algeria’s dominance.

Sudan’s hopes of mounting a challenge were severely hampered when Salah Adel received his marching orders six minutes before halftime for a second bookable offence. Coach James Kwesi Appiah may have felt the first yellow card was harsh, awarded for a challenge on Ramy Bensebaini that appeared innocuous.

Mahrez extended Algeria’s lead shortly after the hour mark, displaying composure to slot the ball home from Mohamed Amoura’s incisive through-ball. Amoura, playing for Wolfsburg, nearly added his name to the scoresheet, but his powerful volley crashed against the upright.

Ibrahim Maza sealed the victory with a late goal, converting a knockdown from Baghdad Bounedjah to make it 3-0 – a historic 100th Afcon goal for Algeria. Despite the comfortable lead, Sudan goalkeeper Monged Elneel showcased his abilities with two excellent saves in added time, denying Adil Boulbina.

The win propels Algeria to the top of Group E on goal difference, ahead of Burkina Faso who earlier defeated Equatorial Guinea 2-1. Algeria will next face Burkina Faso on Sunday (17:30 GMT) in Rabat, while Sudan travel to Casablanca to take on Equatorial Guinea (15:00 GMT) on the same day.

Petkovic, who replaced Djamel Belmadi after the disappointing 2023 Afcon, could afford the luxury of substituting Mahrez with 12 minutes remaining, a testament to the control Algeria exerted over the match. The stadium was filled with passionate Algerian supporters, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane – son of French legend Zinedine – also impressed, demonstrating a calm presence in goal. The 27-year-old, who plays for Granada in Spain, only recently switched international allegiance and was making his Afcon debut following an injury to Alexis Guendouz.

For Sudan, qualifying for the tournament amidst the ongoing civil war in Khartoum was a remarkable achievement. However, the numerical disadvantage and the quality of the Algerian side proved too difficult to overcome.

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