Algeria could hardly have asked for a more convincing start to their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign, sweeping aside Sudan with a dominant 3–0 victory that underlined their status as one of the tournament favourites.

The contest was effectively shaped in the opening stages. Just two minutes into the match, captain and talisman Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring, setting the tone for a one-sided encounter. Matters quickly went from bad to worse for Sudan, who were reduced to ten men before half-time.

With numerical and technical superiority firmly in their favour, Algeria controlled possession and tempo throughout the second half. Mahrez struck again midway through the period, producing another moment of quality to all but seal the result. And the final word belonged to Masa, who added a third goal late on.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria - Sudan 3:0 (1:0)
Goals: Mahrez, 2 (1:0); Mahrez, 61 (2:0); Maza, 85 (3:0)

Algeria: Zidane L.; Mandi; Aït-Nouri (Hadjam, 61); Bensebaini; Belghali; Bennacer I. (Boulbina, 78); Boudaoui; Chaïbi (Maza, 60); Mahrez (Hadj Moussa, 78); Bounedjah; Amoura (Zerrouki, 82)
Substitution: Maza (from 60); Hadjam (from 61); Hadj Moussa (from 78); Boulbina (from 78); Zerrouki (from 82)
Bench: Mandrea; Dorval; Tougai; Belaïd; Atal; Zorgane; Kebbal; Bakrar