When Algeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, they did so with a swagger that made the rest of the continent take notice. Six years later, the Desert Foxes arrive in Morocco with an ageing core, questions about their best XI, and a hunger that borders on desperation. Their opponents? Sudan—a nation with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Algeria's problem nobody wants to discuss
The 2019 triumph feels like a lifetime ago. Riyad Mahrez, now 33, remains the talismanic figure but his influence has waned at club level. Ismaël Bennacer brings Champions League pedigree from Milan, yet Algeria's midfield has struggled to replicate the dominance they showed during their title run.
More concerning is the forward line. Islam Slimani's powers have faded, and while Said Benrahma offers creativity, Algeria lack a reliable goalscorer. Manager Djamel Belmadi has experimented with formations but hasn't found the winning formula that made his team unstoppable five years ago.
Why Sudan shouldn't be dismissed
The Falcons of Jediane qualified for their first AFCON since 2012, and they did so by grinding out results against more fancied opponents. Their defensive organisation is their greatest weapon—compact, disciplined, and willing to absorb pressure for 90 minutes.
Sudan's counter-attacking threat is real. When they win the ball, their forwards attack with pace and directness. Against a Algerian defence that has shown vulnerability to quick transitions, this could be dangerous.
Tactical battle: possession vs resilience
Algeria will dominate territory—that much is certain. They'll pass the ball in intricate patterns, probe the channels, and search for gaps. But against a deep-lying defence with eleven players behind the ball, patience becomes critical.
Belmadi will likely deploy a 4-3-3 with Benrahma and Mahrez providing width. The question is whether Bennacer and Ramiz Zerrouki can unlock Sudan's compact midfield with through balls rather than predictable wide play.
Sudan's approach is straightforward but effective. Defend, frustrate, and hit on the break. If they can keep the score at 0-0 past the 60th minute, nerves will creep into the Algerian camp. A draw would be a massive result for Sudan; a victory would be historic.
The key duel: Mahrez vs Sudan's left-back
Every Algeria attack flows through Riyad Mahrez. His ability to cut inside from the right flank and create havoc has defined his career. Sudan will double up on him, potentially sacrificing width on their left side to neutralise his influence.
If Mahrez can find space and deliver his signature curling shots and incisive passes, Algeria should find a breakthrough. If Sudan contain him, the Desert Foxes will need a Plan B they haven't yet demonstrated.
Match prediction: pressure cooker for Algeria
This match has the potential to be one of the group stage's most frustrating encounters for neutrals—and that's exactly what Sudan want. Algeria carry enormous expectations as former champions and a nation that views anything less than a semi-final as failure.
Expect a tense opening, plenty of Algerian possession without clear-cut chances, and Sudan growing in confidence as the minutes tick by. The goal, when it comes, will either be a moment of individual brilliance from Algeria or a devastating counter-attack from Sudan.
Either way, this match will reveal whether Algeria still have the mentality of champions or whether their golden generation is finally running out of time.