Algerian striker Islam Slimani calls for calm after frustrating Arab Cup draw with Sudan

Algeria opened their 2025 Arab Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Sudan, a result that felt bitter given their dominance and status as defending champions.

The key moment came just before half-time when Adam Ounas was sent off, leaving the Fennecs to play more than 45 minutes with ten men and stripping them of their cutting edge against a compact, well-organised Sudanese side.​

In the mixed zone, Islam Slimani offered a clear but composed reaction. “Sudan is a good team. In football, there are no weak or strong teams; every team has a chance,” he reminded, stressing the physical and tactical challenge posed by Sudan and the trap-filled nature of the Arab Cup. “It wasn’t easy playing against a well-organized team like Sudan,” he added, underlining how the red card changed the rhythm.​

Slimani admitted that “We played with ten men for 45 minutes and we’ll try to make up for it in the next match,” insisting the group remains confident despite the setback. Algeria now face Iraq before closing the group against Bahrain, knowing there is little room left for error if they want to defend the title won in 2021.