Algeria delivered a commanding performance to kick off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over a tenacious but ultimately outmatched Sudan side on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The match, played in Rabat, Morocco, was decisively shaped by the brilliance of captain Riyad Mahrez and an early red card shown to a Sudanese defender.
Dream Start and a Decisive Dismissal
The Desert Foxes could not have asked for a better beginning, finding the net within just two minutes of the kick-off. A superb pass from Baghdad Bounedjah initiated the move, with Hicham Boudaoui providing an intelligent back-heel into the path of the onrushing Mahrez. The skipper displayed his customary composure, slotting the ball home from close range to send the Algerian fans into early raptures.
The task for Sudan became monumentally harder in the 39th minute when defender Salahedin Adil received his second yellow card of the match, reducing his side to 10 men. This was only the second red card of the tournament, which had begun just a few days prior on Sunday.
Mahrez Seals the Deal, Maza Marks His Moment
Playing against a depleted opponent, Algeria controlled the tempo and doubled their lead right on the hour mark. The second goal was another showcase of quality, originating from a clever, curling pass by Mohamed Amoura using the outside of his boot. The delivery found Mahrez in stride, and the captain made no mistake, confirming his status as one of the tournament's premier talents and cementing Algeria's position as one of the favourites.
The scoring was rounded off five minutes from full time by substitute Ibrahim Maza. The 20-year-old, born in Germany, scored his first international goal in his ninth appearance for Algeria, expertly finishing after being set up by a Bounedjah header. This third goal also marked a historic milestone: it was Algeria's 100th goal in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Notable Spectators and Group Standings
The Algerian bench had a distinguished observer in the form of French football legend and World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane. The former Real Madrid coach was present to watch his son, Luca Zidane, who kept goal for Algeria, earning his second cap after switching his international allegiance from France. Luca qualifies for Algeria through his paternal grandparents.
Despite the convincing scoreline, Sudan's goalkeeper Monged Elneel prevented a more severe defeat, making a series of key saves throughout the match, including two point-blank stops in stoppage time to deny Adil Boulbina a fourth goal for Algeria.
With this result, Algeria go top of Group E on three points, ahead of Burkina Faso on goal difference. Burkina Faso had earlier secured a dramatic 2-1 win over 10-man Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca. The stage is set for a crucial top-of-the-table clash when Algeria and Burkina Faso meet in Rabat this Sunday.
