Riyad Mahrez has etched his name in Algerian football history, becoming the country's all-time leading scorer in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Al-Ahli winger achieved this feat during Algeria's opening match of the 2025 AFCON against Sudan on Wednesday.

Mahrez kick-started Algeria's campaign with a goal in the opening minute against Sudan. Hicham Boudaoui found Mahrez with a clever backheel pass, and Mahrez calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner with his favored left foot. He then added another goal in the 60th minute, increasing his AFCON goal count. Substitute Ibrahim Maza sealed the 3-0 victory five minutes from time.

With his brace against Sudan, Mahrez's total AFCON goals reached eight, surpassing Lakhdar Belloumi's previous record of six goals. At 34 years old, Mahrez is participating in his sixth AFCON tournament.

Mahrez's journey in the Africa Cup of Nations began in 2015, and he has since been a key player for the Algerian national team. He scored once in four matches in 2015, added two goals in three appearances in 2017, and scored three goals in seven matches during the 2019 edition. He did not score in either the 2021 or 2023 AFCON tournaments.

The 2019 AFCON was a memorable tournament for Mahrez, as Algeria won their first title since 1990. In the semi-final against Nigeria, Mahrez scored a stunning free-kick in the dying minutes to secure a 2-1 victory. Algeria then defeated Senegal 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy.

Mahrez's record-breaking performance and Algeria's victory over Sudan have set a positive tone for their AFCON 2025 campaign. Algeria is in Group E and will face Burkina Faso in their second group game.

Riyad Mahrez is also the captain for Algeria. He has 36 goals in 108 appearances for the national team.