Algeria delivered an ominous statement to their AFCON rivals, dismantling Sudan with ruthless 3-0 efficiency in a one-sided Group E encounter that confirmed the Desert Foxes’ credentials as genuine title contenders.
The 2019 champions dominated from start to finish, showcasing the technical quality, tactical sophistication and clinical finishing that makes them one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides. Sudan, the Falcons of Jediane, offered minimal resistance as Algeria cruised to victory with consummate ease.
Manager Vladimir Petković will have been delighted with how his side implemented their game plan. Algeria controlled possession, moved the ball with precision and purpose, and converted their superiority into a comfortable scoreline that could easily have been more emphatic.
The opening goal set the tone, Algeria breaking through Sudan’s defensive lines with intelligent movement and sharp passing combinations. Once ahead, the Desert Foxes never looked like relinquishing control. Their confidence grew with each passing minute, whilst Sudan visibly wilted under sustained pressure.
Algeria’s second goal arrived through excellent team play, multiple players involved in a move that dissected Sudan’s defence before a clinical finish doubled the advantage. The strike demonstrated the variety of threats Algeria possess, capable of scoring through individual brilliance or collective excellence.
By the time Algeria added their third, the contest had become an exhibition. Sudan’s players looked exhausted and demoralised, unable to cope with opponents operating on an entirely different level. The final goal provided statistical gloss whilst confirming Algeria’s superiority in every department.
For Petković, this was precisely the start his team needed. Algeria arrived at this tournament with expectations weighing heavily, their squad containing players competing at Europe’s elite clubs and their recent form suggesting they were ready to challenge for honours.
The 2019 triumph in Egypt remains Algeria’s most recent success, though they have won the tournament twice overall, with their first title coming on home soil in 1990. That 2019 victory was particularly sweet, achieved through defensive solidity and Riyad Mahrez’s creative brilliance.
The current squad retains some links to that championship-winning side whilst incorporating fresh talent that has emerged over recent seasons. The blend creates a formidable unit capable of matching any opponent at this tournament.
Algeria’s defensive organisation impressed throughout. They maintained their shape impeccably, rarely allowing Sudan meaningful possession in dangerous areas. When Sudan did venture forward, Algeria’s defenders dealt with threats comfortably, demonstrating the composure that comes from playing at the highest levels.
The midfield controlled proceedings, dictating tempo and territory whilst providing the platform for attacking players to flourish. Algeria’s ability to dominate possession without becoming predictable or sterile demonstrates their tactical maturity.
Up front, Algeria possess genuine goal threats. Their forwards combined intelligent movement with clinical finishing, constantly troubling Sudan’s beleaguered defence. The variety of their attacking options makes them difficult to contain, with threats arriving from multiple sources.
Sudan, meanwhile, endured a chastening afternoon. The Falcons of Jediane have struggled throughout 2024, their qualification for this tournament representing one of few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing year. They failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, finishing last in their group without recording a single victory.
Manager Kwesi Appiah faces a significant challenge to lift spirits ahead of Sudan’s remaining fixtures. The Ghanaian tactician inherited a difficult situation when he took charge, and results have been concerning. Sudan lack the quality required to compete with stronger opponents, their limitations exposed ruthlessly by Algeria’s superior class.
The defeat leaves Sudan bottom of Group E and facing an uphill battle to progress. Their next fixtures against Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea offer opportunities to claim points, though both represent difficult assignments against capable opponents.
Algeria’s victory temporarily placed them atop Group E ahead of Burkina Faso’s fixture against Equatorial Guinea later on Tuesday. The Stallions subsequently secured a dramatic 2-1 victory, setting up an intriguing battle for top spot when the two sides meet in their final group match.
Petković’s side now prepare for their encounter with Equatorial Guinea, another fixture they will be expected to win comfortably. Algeria’s depth and quality should see them navigate the group stage without serious difficulty, though tournament football can spring surprises.
Algeria’s supporters created an impressive atmosphere in Agadir despite the distance from home. Their passion and noise throughout the 90 minutes demonstrated the pride North African nations take in their football teams. The proximity to Algeria, combined with Morocco’s excellent infrastructure, has made this tournament particularly accessible for Desert Foxes fans.
The victory continued Algeria’s impressive recent record at AFCON tournaments. They have reached at least the quarter-finals in four of the last five editions, demonstrating remarkable consistency. Only in 2021 did they fail to reach that stage, suffering a shock group-stage exit as defending champions.
That 2021 disappointment still rankles. Algeria arrived in Cameroon as favourites but departed early after failing to win any of their three group matches. The experience taught valuable lessons about complacency and the importance of respecting every opponent.
This time, Algeria appear determined to avoid similar pitfalls. Their professional demolition of Sudan demonstrated focus and intensity, with no signs of underestimating supposedly weaker opposition. Petković will demand that mentality continues throughout the tournament.
Match details
Algeria: M’Bolhi, Atal, Mandi, Benayada, Ait-Nouri, Bennacer, Aouar, Mahrez (c), Benrahma, Bounedjah, Amoura
Sudan: Mustafa, Karshoum, Koko, Eisa, Nemer, Hamid, Hussain, Abdalla, Yagoub, Bakri, Taha
Referee: Mahmood Ismail (Sudan)
