CAN 2025 / Algeria 3 - Sudan 0: captain and goalscorer Mahrez keeps a cool head

24.12.25 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria

3

:

Sudan

0

Leading by example after the opening win against Sudan, Riyad Mahrez appeared at the press conference with a thoughtful and measured speech. Relieved by this much-anticipated victory, the Fennecs' captain was quick to stress what matters most:

"I'm happy to have taken all three points; it's been a long time since we managed that at the AFCON."

This symbolic victory—the first in the tournament since their 2019 triumph—puts Algeria back on the right track.

Named man of the match by the Confederation of African Football, Mahrez was quick to play down the individual accolade:

"The man of the match trophy is anecdotal today; it's me, tomorrow it will be someone else, but the most important thing is the victory."

A statement true to his team-first mentality:

"My target in this AFCON is collective; we want to go all the way to the final."

Clear-eyed about the performance, the captain didn't shy away from admitting the flaws:

"We didn't necessarily play well but we won, and that's what matters most."

Before sounding a note of caution for what's next:

"We need to raise our level in four days against Burkina Faso. I have enough experience to know not to get carried away."

Beyond the result, Mahrez also made history by becoming Algeria's all-time top scorer in AFCON with eight goals, overtaking the legendary Lakhdar Belloumi. A symbolic milestone, but the captain is already focused on the next challenge.

Read also: CAN 2025 / Algeria, Burkina Faso...: Group E standings

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations