Algeria opened their 2025 Arab Cup campaign with a disappointing 0–0 draw against Sudan on Wednesday, undermining their title-defence ambitions despite dominating large spells of the match.
Madjid Bougherra’s side launched into the game with energy and purpose.
Sofiane Bendebka nearly rewarded their early intensity when his glancing header missed Mohamed Abooja’s left post by inches in the 10th minute.
The Algerian attack continued to push, but the team failed to convert clear chances.
Midway through the first half, Adil Boulbina charged forward on a promising two-on-two break.
He hesitated on the final touch, and his deflected effort drifted narrowly over the bar.
A minute later, Redouane Berkane found space from a left-side cross, but he lost his footing at the decisive moment and wasted a one-on-one opportunity.
Algeria kept the pressure high. Bendebka came close again in the 31st minute when a favourable rebound caught him by surprise, allowing Abooja to collect the loose ball.
Sudan survived another scare before the interval when Boulbina forced Abooja into a sharp save at the near post in the 42nd minute.
The match shifted dramatically just before half-time. Adam Ounas collected a second yellow card for tripping an opponent, leaving Algeria with ten men from the 45+4 minute.
The dismissal disrupted their rhythm and changed the momentum.
Sudan returned from the break with confidence and forced Algeria to pull back and defend deeper.
Bougherra introduced Islam Slimani in the 66th minute, but the change did little to reshape the contest.
Sudan created their most threatening moment in the 71st minute when Farid Chaal fired a strike that skimmed the side netting.
Thirteen minutes later, Algerian goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz reacted well to stop Abdelrazig Omer’s attempt from the right, preserving the clean sheet.
Algeria failed to regain cohesion or create meaningful chances, and the match ended without goals.
The defending champions now head into their next Group D fixture against Bahrain on Saturday facing growing concerns over form, discipline, and efficiency in front of goal.
