Ibrahim Maza scores on AFCON debut as Algeria cruise past Sudan with a 3-0 win

Talented youngster Ibrahim Maza marked his Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) debut with a goal on Wednesday, helping Algeria to thump Sudan 3-0 in their opening Group E fixture at the 2025 edition of the tournament.

The 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder started the match on the bench but was introduced into the contest in the 60th minute to replace Fares Chaibi.

In the match played at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan, Algeria wasted no time asserting control, taking the lead just two minutes into the match when Riyad Mahrez found space inside the penalty area and calmly fired into the bottom left corner, leaving the Sudan goalkeeper with no chance.

Sudan’s task became even more difficult in the 39th minute after Salaheldin Alhassan was shown a second yellow card, reducing his side to ten men.

The Fennecs thought they had doubled their advantage three minutes later through Ramy Bensebaini, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Mahrez, however, was not to be denied and produced a moment of brilliance in the 61st minute, meeting a cross at the edge of the box before driving a powerful effort straight into the net.

Algeria completed the scoring in the 85th minute when substitute Ibrahim Maza latched onto a cross and directed a shot towards goal, with the Sudan goalkeeper unable to keep the ball out despite the effort not being struck cleanly.

The goal marked a dream AFCON debut for the young midfielder and sealed a comfortable opening win for Algeria at AFCON 2025.