Algeria's return to winning ways at the Africa Cup of Nations could not have been scripted any better. In front of a fervent crowd at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Les Fennecs dismantled Sudan 3-0 to claim their first AFCON victory since lifting the trophy in Cairo back in 2019.
Mahrez sets the tone in lightning fashion
Vladimir Petković's tactical setup paid immediate dividends. Just two minutes into the contest, Riyad Mahrez reminded everyone why he remains Algeria's talisman. The 34-year-old former Manchester City winger latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball, cut inside past a hesitant Sudanese defender, and curled a precise finish beyond goalkeeper Monged Elneel Abuzaid.
The early goal fundamentally altered the match's complexion. Sudan, under Kwesi Appiah's guidance, had prepared a compact 4-4-2 designed to frustrate and absorb pressure. Conceding so early forced them to abandon their game plan far sooner than intended, opening spaces Algeria would ruthlessly exploit throughout the evening.
Defensive solidity meets controlled possession
What stood out in Algeria's first-half performance was not just their attacking intent but their disciplined defensive structure. Petković deployed a fluid 4-3-3 that seamlessly transitioned into a 4-5-1 without the ball. The midfield trio of Ismail Bennacer, Hicham Boudaoui, and Fares Chaibi controlled the central zones with metronomic precision.
Sudan struggled to string more than three consecutive passes in Algeria's half. Their attempts to build from the back were immediately pressed by Algeria's high line, with Bounedjah leading from the front and cutting passing lanes to the central midfielders. Whenever Sudan managed to win the ball, Algeria's recovery runs were swift and coordinated, typically regaining possession within seconds.
The defensive pairing of Aïssa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini commanded their area with authority. Between them, they won every aerial duel and snuffed out Sudan's rare forward forays before they could develop into genuine threats.
Second-half dominance seals the deal
The interval brought no respite for the Falcons. Algeria emerged with renewed intensity, pinning Sudan deep in their own third. The introduction of Ibrahim Maza in the 60th minute injected fresh energy into the attack, with the youngster immediately linking well with Mahrez on the right flank.
Mahrez's second goal in the 61st minute was a masterclass in individual brilliance. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, he executed a sublime piece of footwork—a quick shimmy followed by a drag-back that left two defenders grasping at shadows—before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner. A vintage Mahrez finish that evoked memories of his Premier League peak.
Sudan's discipline crumbled thereafter. Gaps appeared between their defensive and midfield lines, and Algeria exploited them with clinical efficiency. Mohamed Amine Amoura, despite not finding the net himself, was a constant menace, drawing defenders and creating space for his teammates.
Maza puts the cherry on top
The final nail came in the 85th minute. A sweeping move down the left saw the ball whipped into the box, and there was Maza, arriving at the back post to bundle home Algeria's third. The goal was reward for his energetic cameo and a statement of intent from a player who could prove crucial as the tournament progresses.
Petković's substitutions throughout the second half were measured and intelligent. Replacing Mahrez and Chaibi with Anis Hadj Moussa and Maza maintained the team's attacking threat while managing workloads—a consideration that could prove vital in the condensed AFCON schedule.
What this means for Group E
For Algeria, this victory represents far more than three points. It is a psychological reset after the disappointments of 2021 and 2023, where consecutive group-stage eliminations had cast doubt over a golden generation's ability to recapture past glories. The manner of victory—controlled, clinical, and commanding—suggests Petković has instilled a renewed sense of purpose and structure.
Sudan, meanwhile, face an uphill battle. Their defensive organization was promising in spells, but the lack of a genuine attacking outlet remains their Achilles heel. Without a recognized goalscorer capable of punishing errors, their margin for error in remaining fixtures against Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea is razor-thin.
Key tactical takeaways
Algeria's pressing triggers were particularly effective. Whenever Sudan's center-backs received the ball, the nearest Algerian attacker would immediately press, forcing hurried clearances or risky passes. This high press resulted in multiple turnovers in dangerous areas, setting the platform for sustained territorial dominance.
The full-back positioning also merits attention. Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rafik Belghali pushed high to provide width, stretching Sudan's compact shape and creating overloads on the flanks. When possession was lost, they recovered quickly, ensuring Sudan's attempts to counter-attack through the channels were consistently thwarted.
For Algeria, this was the perfect start. For Sudan, it is back to the drawing board with lessons to learn and adjustments to make if they are to salvage anything from Group E.