Algeria Dominates Sudan with 3-0 Victory in AFCON Opener

In an impressive display, Algeria overwhelmed Sudan with a 3-0 victory in their 2025 AFCON opener, marking a successful start for the reigning champions.

Riyad Mahrez wasted no time, scoring just 82 seconds into the game, energizing the nearly 16,115 crowd at Rabat's Moulay El Hassan Stadium, where most fans were from Algeria.

The former Manchester City star, now with Al-Ahli, doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark. Ibrahim Maza later capped the victory with a goal, signaling a strong entrance into Group E for Algeria.

The match was graced by football legend Zinedine Zidane, generating excitement among fans as he watched his son Luca play as the goalkeeper for Algeria. Cheers erupted when Zidane's image appeared on the stadium screens, showcasing the fans' delight at Algeria's commanding performance.

After failing to advance in the previous two tournaments, Algeria swiftly took control against a struggling Sudan side.

Just after the kickoff, Mohamed Amoura made a pivotal pass that was deftly back-heeled by Hicham Boudaoui to set Mahrez up for the opener.

Sudan had a chance to level the score when Yaser Awad Boshara found himself on goal but was denied by a crucial save from Zidane.

Suffering a setback, Sudan's Salaheldin Adil received a red card just before halftime, complicating their efforts to mount a comeback.

Despite a brief setback where a goal from Ramy Bensebaini was ruled offside, Mahrez extended the lead in the 61st minute, skillfully finishing after an assist from Amoura.

This marked Mahrez’s eighth goal in AFCON history, earning him a standing ovation from his supporters upon substitution.

In the final moments, substitute Ibrahim Maza netted Algeria's 100th goal in AFCON history, sealing the match at 3-0.

For Sudan, who last lifted the Cup of Nations trophy in 1970, this defeat continues a troubling trend with only one win in their last 17 tournament appearances.

Earlier, Burkina Faso staged a thrilling comeback against Equatorial Guinea, clinching a 2-1 win amid late drama.

Despite being reduced to ten players, Equatorial Guinea took the lead late in the game, but Burkina Faso equalized in stoppage time and scored a last-minute winner, showcasing their resilience.

With both Algeria and Burkina Faso claiming victories, they aim to build on this positive momentum as the tournament progresses.