Wed Dec 24 17:57:16 UTC 2025: News Article:

Mahrez Shines as Algeria Cruises to Victory Over Sudan in AFCON Opener

RABAT, Morocco – Riyad Mahrez led the charge as Algeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sudan. The former Manchester City winger, now playing for Al-Ahli, struck twice, with Ibrahim Maza adding a late goal to seal the win in Group E.

Mahrez wasted no time in putting Algeria ahead, scoring just 82 seconds into the match at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. After Salaheldin Adil was sent off for a second booking, Mahrez doubled Algeria’s lead with a clinical finish in the 61st minute. Substitute Maza completed the rout with five minutes remaining, marking Algeria’s 100th AFCON goal.

The victory was celebrated by a passionate Algerian crowd, which included French football legend Zinedine Zidane, whose son Luca was in goal for Algeria.

In the earlier Group E match, Burkina Faso staged a dramatic comeback to defeat 10-man Equatorial Guinea 2-1 with two goals in added time.

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