### Mahrez Shines as Algeria Dominates Sudan in AFCON Opener In a commanding performance, Algeria kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a decisive 3-0 victory over Sudan. The match, held at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, saw Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian captain, score two goals, leading his team to a strong start in Group E. The victory was further solidified by Sudan's struggles, as they played with ten men after Salah Adil received a red card before halftime. This match not only highlights Algeria's potential as a title contender but also marks a challenging beginning for Sudan in the tournament. ### Breakdown of the Match and Key Highlights 1. **Match Overview** - Algeria secured a 3-0 win against Sudan in their AFCON opener. - Riyad Mahrez scored twice, with Ibrahim Maza adding a third goal. - Sudan was reduced to ten men after Salah Adil's red card. 2. **Key Player Performances** - **Riyad Mahrez**: Scored the opening goal just 82 seconds into the match and added another in the second half, showcasing his skill and leadership on the field [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/mahrez-leads-algeria-afcon-cruise-against-sudan-4065556]. - **Ibrahim Maza**: Contributed to the scoreline with a late goal, sealing the victory for Algeria [https://www.adomonline.com/2025-afcon-mahrez-scores-twice-as-algeria-beat-10-man-sudan]. 3. **Match Statistics** - **Attendance**: Approximately 16,115 fans attended the match, with a significant number supporting Algeria [https://english.aawsat.com/sports/5222858-mahrez-leads-algeria-afcon-cruise-against-sudan]. - **Red Card**: Salah Adil's dismissal significantly impacted Sudan's ability to compete effectively [https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/12/25/mahrez-double-for-algeria-sinks-sudan]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Goals Scored**: - **Riyad Mahrez**: 2 goals (1st minute, 60th minute) - **Ibrahim Maza**: 1 goal (late in the match) - **Match Impact**: - Algeria's victory positions them favorably in Group E, while Sudan faces an uphill battle after this loss [https://www.graphic.com.gh/sports/sports-news/afcon-2025-how-lookman-stunner-gave-nigeria-winning-start-against-tanzania.html]. ### Conclusion: Algeria's Strong Start and Sudan's Challenges **Algeria's 3-0 victory over Sudan sets a positive tone for their AFCON campaign**, showcasing their offensive prowess and solid team dynamics. Mahrez's standout performance not only highlights his individual talent but also reinforces Algeria's status as a formidable contender in the tournament. Conversely, Sudan's early struggles, compounded by a red card, indicate a challenging path ahead as they seek to recover in their upcoming matches. 1. **Algeria's Dominance**: Strong start with Mahrez leading the charge. 2. **Sudan's Setback**: Early red card and loss complicate their campaign. 3. **Future Implications**: Algeria looks poised for success, while Sudan must regroup to avoid further defeats. For further details, you can refer to the original articles [https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/12/25/mahrez-double-for-algeria-sinks-sudan], [https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2025/12/25/soccer-mahrez-at-the-double-as-algeria-outclass-10-man-sudan], and [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/mahrez-leads-algeria-afcon-cruise-against-sudan-4065556].