Mahrez Double Fires Algeria Past Sudan In Afcon Group E Opener
Riyad Mahrez struck twice as Algeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations Group E campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sudan, sealing control early and finishing strongly in Rabat.
Algeria laid down an early marker in Group E with a commanding 3-0 win over Sudan at Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, producing a performance that mixed authority, control and cutting edge on a warm December evening.
Riyad Mahrez wasted little time stamping his influence on the contest, firing Algeria ahead in the second minute with a composed left foot finish from the centre of the box. Sudan struggled to settle after the early blow and were soon under sustained pressure as Algeria dominated possession and territory.
The match swung decisively just before the break when Sudan winger Salah Adil was sent off following a second yellow card in the 39th minute. Reduced to ten men, Sudan were forced into damage limitation, while Algeria calmly managed the remainder of the first half with a one goal cushion.
Mahrez doubled the lead shortly after the restart, finishing clinically in the 61st minute after being teed up by Mohamed Amoura. The goal reflected Algeria’s superiority, with the Desert Foxes repeatedly slicing through Sudan’s defensive lines using quick combinations and width.
Sudan goalkeeper Monged El Neel was kept busy, producing several saves to prevent the scoreline from escalating, but Algeria eventually found a third late on. Substitute Ibrahim Maza sealed the win in the 85th minute, guiding a left footed effort into the bottom corner after a headed assist from Baghdad Bounedjah.
With three goals, a clean sheet and control throughout, Algeria made an emphatic start to their AFCON campaign and sent a clear warning to the rest of Group E. Sudan, despite moments of resilience, will need a sharp response in their next outing to revive their tournament hopes.
