Riyad Mahrez sets AFCON record as Algeria’s all-time top scorer after Sudan brace

Riyad Mahrez etched his name into Algeria’s football history on Wednesday after becoming the country’s all-time leading goalscorer at the Africa Cup of Nations, following a brace against Sudan in their Group E encounter.

The former Manchester City winger’s two goals took his overall AFCON tally to eight, making him the highest-scoring Algerian player in the competition’s history for the Fennecs.

Mahrez’s AFCON journey began in 2015, where he featured in four matches and scored once. He added two goals across three appearances at the 2017 tournament before improving his return at AFCON 2019 with three goals in seven matches. The 2019 edition proved to be one of his most memorable tournaments, even though his goal output was modest.

He endured a difficult spell in front of goal at AFCON 2021 and AFCON 2023, failing to score in three appearances at each tournament. However, Mahrez rediscovered his scoring touch at AFCON 2025, opening his account with two goals in Algeria’s opening match against Sudan.

The brace not only boosted Algeria’s campaign but also cemented Mahrez’s status as one of the nation’s most influential players on the AFCON stage.

With AFCON 2025 expected to be his last, Mahrez will hope to lead Algeria to the trophy.