Riyad Mahrez admitted Algeria’s return to winning ways at the Africa Cup of Nations felt like a release, but insisted the 3–0 victory over Sudan was above all a triumph for the group.
The captain’s brace in Rabat delivered Algeria’s first AFCON finals win since lifting the trophy in 2019, setting the tone for what he believes can be a renewed charge in Morocco.
"Being named Man of the Match is a bonus. The most important thing was the victory — we showed that we have real collective strength. We had a bit of luck, and God willing, may it continue," he said.
Algeria struck early when Mahrez slipped in behind the Sudan defence and finished calmly after just two minutes, immediately easing any tension around a team under pressure to show it had turned the page on recent disappointments. Sudan’s hopes suffered another blow before half-time as Salah El-Din Adel was sent off, allowing Mahrez and his teammates to control the tempo and play with greater freedom.
After the break, Algeria pushed on, with Mahrez doubling the lead on 61 minutes before Ibrahim Maza came off the bench to add a late third.
Algeria will play Equatorial Guinea on December 28th at the Stade Mohamed V.
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