RABAT: Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez insisted his brace in Wednesday’s 3-0 Africa Cup of Nations Group E victory over Sudan was not aimed at silencing critics, saying his focus remains firmly on performances on the pitch.
Mahrez struck twice in Rabat, Morocco, setting the tone for a comfortable win before Ibrahim Maza added his first international goal. The 34-year-old, now Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at the Cup of Nations with eight goals, has faced scrutiny following the Desert Warriors’ group-stage exits in the last two editions despite lifting the title in 2019.
“This wasn’t about answering criticism,” Mahrez said. “I’m used to it. My reply is to concentrate on my game. We came in with a clear plan—to play freely, win this match and the rest of our group games to make the path easier.”
Now plying his trade with Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia after leaving Manchester City, Mahrez arrives at the tournament fresh from continental success, having helped the Jeddah club win the AFC Champions League Elite this year. Algeria, who missed the last two World Cups, have already secured qualification for the expanded 2026 finals in North America, and Mahrez’s leadership will be central to their AFCON ambitions.
