AFCON 2025 Matchday Roundup: Mahrez Shines As Algeria Cruise And Ivory Coast Begin Their Title Defence

‎Matchday action at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations delivered drama across Morocco, showcasing clinical finishing, and the return of some of the continent’s biggest stars.

‎From Riyad Mahrez’s brilliance to Burkina Faso’s extraordinary stoppage-time comeback, the day had it all.

‎Mahrez at the Double as Algeria Sweeps Aside Sudan

‎Algeria opened their AFCON campaign with the swagger of former champions, easing to a 3–0 victory over Sudan in Rabat.

‎It took just two minutes for the Desert Warriors to lead: Riyad Mahrez, rolling back the years, latched onto Hicham Boudaoui’s flick before burying a low effort past Monged Abuzaid.

‎Sudan threatened a response during a busy spell midway through the first half. Luca Zidane, under the watchful eye of father Zinedine Zidane in the stands, produced two smart stops to deny Yaser Awad, keeping Algeria’s lead intact.

‎But Sudan’s hopes collapsed six minutes before the break when Salah Adel received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Rayan Aït-Nouri.

‎From that point, it was a damage-limitation job for the Falcons of Jediane.

‎Algeria controlled the tempo after the restart, eventually doubling their lead on 61 minutes. Mahrez struck again, deftly cutting inside Mustafa Karshoum after a sleek Mohamed Amoura pass.

‎Substitute Ibrahim Maza rounded off the win with his first senior international goal, smashing home from a Baghdad Bounedjah knock-down.

‎Burkina Faso Produce Stunning Stoppage-Time Turnaround

‎In Casablanca, Burkina Faso delivered the comeback of the tournament so far, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to defeat 10-man Equatorial Guinea 2–1.

‎The Stallions dominated the opening half, especially through the lively Bertrand Traoré and Dango Ouattara, but couldn’t convert their control into goals. Their path seemed to clear early in the second half when Basilio Ndong was sent off after a VAR review for a rash challenge on Traoré.

‎Still, the breakthrough eluded Burkina Faso. A 71st-minute strike from substitute Lassina Traoré was ruled out for offside, and frustration began to set in before the script twisted dramatically.

‎Against the run of play, Equatorial Guinea grabbed a shock lead five minutes from time through Marvin Anieboh, who powered in a header from Carlos Akapo’s corner.

‎But the Stallions refused to fold. In the fifth minute of added time, substitute Georgi Minoungou equalised after excellent work from Ouattara.

‎Just three minutes later, Edmond Tapsoba completed the turnaround, heading home after Jesús Owono could only parry Cyriaque Irié’s cross.

‎It was a breathtaking finale proof that in AFCON football, no victory is secured until the final whistle.

‎Diallo Delivers Narrow Win for Wasteful Ivory Coast

‎The defending champions, Côte d’Ivoire, started their title defence with a gritty 1–0 win over Mozambique, but will know they left far too many chances behind.

‎The Ivorians controlled large spells of the Group F opener but lacked sharpness in front of goal a theme that persisted even after Amad Diallo’s calm 49th-minute finish, which ultimately proved decisive.

‎Wilfried Zaha, returning to the national setup after more than two years, endured a frustrating afternoon, missing several good opportunities.

‎Franck Kessié also saw two close-range efforts saved by Mozambique’s outstanding goalkeeper Ernan, while substitute Vakoun Bayo somehow headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

‎In a moment of history, 42-year-old winger Dominguez came off the bench for Mozambique, becoming the oldest outfield player in AFCON history second only to legendary Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.

‎Mozambique battled admirably in the rain but extended an unwanted record, they remain without a single win at the AFCON finals across six appearances.

‎Cameroon Steady the Ship with Hard-Fought Win Over Gabon

‎Cameroon’s buildup to the tournament has been turbulent, with managerial changes, squad controversy, and the omission of André Onana, but the Indomitable Lions delivered a stabilising 1–0 victory over Gabon in their opener.

‎Karl Etta Eyong struck early, squeezing a finish under goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba after a precise pass from Bryan Mbeumo. The goal survived a VAR check and proved enough to secure all three points.

‎Mbeumo was a constant menace down the right, creating several clear openings. Junior Tchamadeu and Frank Magri both went close, with the latter rattling the crossbar late on.

‎Gabon, missing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the start due to fitness concerns, lacked penetration despite his introduction alongside Mario Lemina in the 32nd minute. Denis Bouanga had half-chances, but the Panthers rarely looked like equalising.

‎Given recent upheaval, Cameroon will be satisfied, a win, a clean sheet, and a platform to grow.