Algeria kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations Group E campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sudan at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Riyad Mahrez was the star of the show, scoring twice to lead the charge. Ibrahim Maza also made his mark by netting his maiden international goal. Algeria took an early lead in the second minute when Mahrez finished cleverly following a backheel assist from Hicham Boudaoui.
Sudan’s Salah Adil was shown a red card just before halftime, leaving his team with 10 men. Algeria capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Mahrez doubling the lead in the 61st minute, assisted by Mohamed Amoura. Maza sealed the win in the 85th minute, scoring off a header from Baghdad Bounedjah.
Notably, France World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane was in attendance, watching his son Luca Zidane guard the Algerian goal.
With this win, Algeria tops Group E ahead of Burkina Faso on goal difference. Their next match is against Burkina Faso on Sunday.
Match Stats:
- Score: Algeria 3-0 Sudan
- Goals: Riyad Mahrez (2′, 61′), Ibrahim Maza (85′)
- Red Card: Salah Adil (Sudan, 45′)
- Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
By Andrews Addotey
