AFCON 2025: Riyad Mahrez Masterclass Powers Algeria Past 10-Man Sudan
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Group E favorites Algeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a confident note with a 2–0 victory over Sudan on Wednesday, inspired by a brace from captain Riyad Mahrez.
The Fennecs took full advantage of an early breakthrough and a first-half red card to secure maximum points in their opening fixture.
Algeria wasted no time asserting their dominance, striking inside the opening two minutes. A swift move down the left flank exposed the Sudanese defense as Mohamed Amoura was released into space.
The Wolfsburg forward delivered a low cross to the far post where Hicham Boudaoui cleverly backheeled the ball into the path of Mahrez, who calmly curled his effort beyond goalkeeper Monged Elneel to give Les Verts a dream start.
The early goal allowed Algeria to control possession, although Sudan showed flashes of attacking intent through Mo Eisa and Abo Eisa, briefly testing the Algerian back line.
However, Sudan’s hopes of mounting a comeback were dealt a major blow just before halftime when midfielder Salah Adel was shown a second yellow card, reducing his side to ten men.
With the numerical advantage, Algeria emerged from the break with renewed purpose. The pressure told shortly after the hour mark when Mahrez doubled his tally.
Once again, Amoura was the provider, delivering a superb early cross from the left with the outside of his right foot. The Algerian skipper timed his run perfectly and applied a simple finish to put the result beyond doubt.
Algeria continued to press for more goals and were rewarded late on when substitute Ibrahim Maza sealed the victory in the 85th minute.
Baghdad Bounedjah nodded down a cross into the path of the Bayer Leverkusen youngster, who made no mistake to cap an impressive team performance.
The win places Algeria firmly in control of Group E as they prepare for a potentially decisive clash against Burkina Faso on Sunday.
Sudan, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly when they face Equatorial Guinea in their next outing, knowing they must improve to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
