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Algeria Seals Last-16 Berth at AFCON 2025 With Perfect Start and Mahrez in Form

Petković’s side has kept clean sheets behind Luca Zidane.

Overview

  • Algeria opened with a 3-0 win over Sudan and a 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso to clinch early qualification to the round of 16.
  • Riyad Mahrez leads the team with three goals after scoring a brace in the opener and the winning penalty in the second match.
  • Coach Vladimir Petković has rotated lineups and adjusted formations to manage depth ahead of the final group game versus already eliminated Equatorial Guinea.
  • Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has started both matches without conceding, with Zinedine Zidane present in the stands.
  • Argentina’s staff is monitoring Algeria closely because they meet in the World Cup 2026 opener on June 16 in Kansas City.