Riyad Mahrez marked Algeria’s return to the Africa Cup of Nations with a statement performance, scoring twice as the former champions cruised to a 3 0 win over Sudan in their Group E opener in Rabat. The result immediately eased pressure on a side eager to move past early exits in the last two tournaments.
Algeria started on the front foot and were rewarded early when Mahrez opened the scoring with a trademark left footed curling finish from close range. The move was sparked by a clever backheel from Hicham Boudaoui, setting the tone for a confident display built on sharp movement and control in midfield.
Sudan showed brief flashes of threat, forcing Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane into action on two occasions through Yaser Awad Boshara. Any hopes of staying in the contest were badly dented shortly before half time when Salah Adel was dismissed for a second booking, leaving Sudan with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Algeria made their numerical advantage count just after the hour. Mahrez doubled his tally with a calm finish inside the box after being played through by Mohamed Amoura, effectively sealing the outcome. Amoura later went close himself, crashing a powerful volley against the post as Algeria pushed for more.
The third goal arrived late on when Ibrahim Maza converted from close range following a knockdown by Baghdad Bounedjah, bringing up Algeria’s 100th goal in Africa Cup of Nations history. Sudan goalkeeper Monged Elneel prevented further damage with two sharp saves in added time.
The win sends Algeria top of Group E on goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso. They remain in Rabat to face the Stallions next, while Sudan head to Casablanca to take on Equatorial Guinea.
