Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez insisted his two-goal display in Wednesday’s 3–0 victory over Sudan at the Africa Cup of Nations was not aimed at silencing his critics.

The Al Ahli forward struck twice in Rabat, Morocco, as Algeria made a convincing start to their Group E campaign, with Ibrahim Maza adding his first international goal to seal the win.

Mahrez, who moved to Saudi Arabia after leaving Manchester City, has faced scrutiny following Algeria’s disappointing group-stage exits at the last two AFCON tournaments, despite lifting the trophy in 2019.

“This wasn’t about answering criticism — I’m used to that,” Mahrez told reporters.
“My response is always to focus on my game on the pitch. We came in with a clear plan, to play freely without overthinking, win this match and put ourselves in a strong position for the rest of the group.”

At 34, Mahrez is now Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations, with eight goals to his name.

Although Algeria failed to qualify for the past two World Cups, they have already secured their place at the expanded 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Mahrez also enjoyed club success earlier this year, winning the AFC Champions League Elite with Al Ahli after a 2–0 final victory over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale — the Jeddah club’s first continental title.

“It’s always good to score because it brings confidence,” Mahrez added.
“But as a team we have to keep raising our level and become more consistent. Our focus immediately turns to Burkina Faso — we need to improve and be more stable in the next match.”

Algeria top Group E on three points and face Burkina Faso on Sunday. Earlier on Wednesday, Burkina Faso scored twice in second-half stoppage time to defeat 10-man Equatorial Guinea 2–1.