Algeria opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in style with a resounding 3-0 victory over Sudan in Match Round 1 at the tournament. The Desert Foxes dominated from start to finish, showcasing their attacking prowess and efficiency in front of goal.
The scoring got underway just two minutes into the match, as Riyad Karim Mahrez put Algeria ahead with a clinical finish. The Manchester City forward displayed his trademark composure to slot the ball past the Sudanese goalkeeper and give his side an early advantage.
Mahrez was not done yet, as he found the back of the net once again in the 61st minute to double Algeria’s lead. The captain led by example, demonstrating his scoring instincts and proving to be a constant threat to the Sudanese defense throughout the match.
Sudan struggled to contain Algeria’s attacking flair, and their task was made even more difficult when Ibrahim Maza added a third goal for the Desert Foxes in the 85th minute. Maza’s goal put the result beyond doubt and sealed a convincing victory for the Algerian side.
Overall, it was a commanding performance from Algeria, who demonstrated their title credentials with a clinical display of attacking football. The victory sets them on the right path in the tournament and sends a strong statement to their rivals in Group A.
Next up, Algeria will look to build on this impressive win as they continue their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, while Sudan will aim to bounce back from this defeat in their upcoming matches. Stay tuned for more exciting action from the tournament as the drama unfolds in Egypt.
- Algeria will play with Burkina Faso. December 28 at 17:30 (GMT), on Stade Prince Moulay Hassan.
- Sudan will play with Equatorial Guinea. December 28 at 15:00 (GMT), on Stade Mohamed V.
Algeria
- Luca Zinedine Zidane Fernández (7.7)
- Rafik Belghali (6.3)
- Aïssa Mandi (7)
- Amir Selmane Ramy Bensebaïni (7.2)
- Rayan Aït-Nouri (7.2)
- Hicham Boudaoui (7.2)
- Ismaël Bennacer (7.2)
- Riyad Karim Mahrez (9.2)
- Farès Chaïbi (6.5)
- Mohammed El Amine Amoura (7.5)
- Baghdad Bounedjah (6.7)
Sudan
Substitutions:
Algeria
- Farès Chaïbi (Ibrahim Maza, 60)
- Rayan Aït-Nouri (Jaouen Djimmy Hadjam, 61)
- Ismaël Bennacer (Adil Boulbina, 78)
- Riyad Karim Mahrez (Anis Hadj-Moussa, 78)
- Mohammed El Amine Amoura (Ramiz Larbi Zerrouki, 82)
Sudan
- Abdelrazig Yagoub Omer Taha (Al Gozoli Hussien Nooh Mohamed, 66)
- Mohamed Mamoun Eisa (Mohamed Abdelrahman Yousif Yagoub, 67)
- Abobaker Mamoun Eisa (Yasir Mozamil Mohamed El Tayeb, 68)
- Abuaagla Abdalla Mohamed Ahmed (A. Zaid, 70)
Ball possession:
In a captivating football encounter between Algeria and Sudan, the North African side showcased their dominance with a commanding 58% possession compared to Sudan’s 42%. The match was a spectacle of skill and precision, with both teams delivering a thrilling display of attacking football.
Algeria’s offensive prowess was on full display as they unleashed a total of 14 shots on target, with 7 finding the back of the net. Leading the charge for Algeria was the exceptional Riyad Karim Mahrez, who proved to be a constant threat with his accurate shooting and incisive play in the final third.
Sudan, although facing an uphill battle against the formidable Algerian side, managed to muster 5 shots on target, with 2 hitting the mark. Yaser Awad Boshara stood out for Sudan, showcasing his proficiency in front of goal with his well-placed shots and attacking flair.
The match was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Algeria’s superior ball possession and clinical finishing ultimately securing them a well-deserved victory. The dynamic performances of Riyad Karim Mahrez and Yaser Awad Boshara added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling encounter, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
In conclusion, Algeria’s dominance in possession and sharpshooting prowess proved to be the decisive factors in this enthralling match, highlighting the team’s strength and determination on the field.
Passes:
In an intense matchup between Algeria and Sudan, the spotlight was on the midfield maestros as they showcased their passing prowess on the pitch. Amir Selmane Ramy Bensebaïni of Algeria exhibited his precision with an impressive pass accuracy of 85%, completing a total of 77 passes throughout the game.
However, it was Ammar Kamaleldin Taifour from Sudan who stole the show with his exceptional passing accuracy of 92%, as he orchestrated the play with finesse, completing 50 passes with pinpoint precision.
Mohammed El Amine Amoura of Algeria proved to be a creative force on the field, delivering 3 key passes that unlocked the Sudanese defense, while Yaser Awad Boshara of Sudan provided a crucial assist with 1 key pass, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
The battle in the middle of the park was fierce, with both teams relying on their midfield maestros to dictate the tempo of the game. The passing accuracy of Bensebaïni and Taifour was instrumental in their respective teams’ strategies, as they sought to control possession and create scoring opportunities.
As the final whistle blew, it was clear that the midfield battle had been a key factor in the outcome of the match, with the passing accuracy and creativity of the players proving to be decisive in shaping the flow of the game.
Defense:
In a tightly contested match between Algeria and Sudan, defensive prowess took center stage as both teams battled fiercely to thwart each other’s attacking threats. The game was a showcase of keen interceptions and crucial blocks, with players from both sides displaying exceptional defensive acumen.
Algeria’s backline, led by the stalwart Aïssa Mandi, showcased a masterful display of interception skills, totaling an impressive 13 interceptions throughout the match. Mandi, the defensive linchpin for Algeria, demonstrated his defensive intelligence by reading the game well and snuffing out Sudan’s attacking moves. His leadership at the back was instrumental in keeping Sudan at bay.
On the other side, Sudan’s defense also put up a resolute performance, with Mustafa Mohamed Abdelgader Karshoum leading the charge with 3 interceptions, the most by any player in the match. Karshoum’s tenacity and anticipation were on full display as he repeatedly disrupted Algeria’s attacking forays and thwarted potential goal-scoring opportunities.
In terms of blocks, while Algeria failed to register any blocks during the match, Sudan managed to produce 2 crucial blocks, with Karshoum once again making a significant contribution with 1 block to his name. Sudan’s defensive efforts were marked by their ability to put their bodies on the line and deny Algeria clear-cut chances on goal.
Overall, the match was a defensive battle characterized by astute interceptions and timely blocks from both sides. The defensive resilience displayed by players such as Aïssa Mandi and Mustafa Mohamed Abdelgader Karshoum was commendable and played a vital role in shaping the outcome of the game. As the final whistle blew, it was evident that both teams had showcased their defensive prowess, leaving fans in awe of the art of defending in football.
Face-to-face:
In a fiercely contested match between Algeria and Sudan, the battle for possession was intense as players fought tooth and nail in face-to-face duels for the ball. Leading the charge for their respective teams were Amir Selmane Ramy Bensebaïni from Algeria and Yaser Awad Boshara from Sudan, each engaging in an impressive 7 face-to-face duels throughout the game.
The match witnessed a display of grit and determination from both sides, with neither team willing to give an inch in the midfield battle. Ramy Bensebaïni showcased his tenacity and skill, proving to be a formidable force in winning possession for Algeria. On the other side, Yaser Awad Boshara matched him stride for stride, showcasing his resilience and ability to compete at the highest level.
The face-to-face duels between these two standout players added an extra layer of intensity to the match, with fans on the edge of their seats as they battled for supremacy in the midfield. Their performances were a testament to their dedication and commitment to their respective teams, setting the tone for an enthralling encounter.
In the end, both Algeria and Sudan put in commendable performances, with the midfield battle proving to be a key area of contention. The duel between Ramy Bensebaïni and Yaser Awad Boshara was a highlight of the match, showcasing the competitive spirit and skill of both players.
Overall, the match was a testament to the passion and skill on display in African football, with players like Ramy Bensebaïni and Yaser Awad Boshara embodying the fighting spirit that defines the beautiful game.
Fouls:
Yellow cards:
-
- S. Alhassan (Sudan) at 14 minute
- S. Alhassan (Sudan) at 39 minute
- Mohamed Ahmed Saeed Ahmed El Fadul (Sudan) at 52 minute
Red cards:
- S. Alhassan (Sudan) at 39 minute
The last five games (including this match):
- Algeria – W
- Sudan – L
Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations scorers:
- Nicolas Jackson (2, Senegal)
- Prince Mpumelelo Dube (2, Zimbabwe)
- Mohamed Elias Achouri (2, Tunisia)
- Riyad Karim Mahrez (2, Algeria)
- Denis Lukambi Omedi (1, Uganda)
Line-ups:
Next games:
- Algeria will play with Burkina Faso. December 28 at 17:30 (GMT), on Stade Prince Moulay Hassan.
- Sudan will play with Equatorial Guinea. December 28 at 15:00 (GMT), on Stade Mohamed V.
