DR ‹ › Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez said he was pleased to be in Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stressing that the Algerian squad is fully focused on delivering a strong tournament. «We received a very warm welcome and we are happy to be here in Morocco. Taking part in such a prestigious competition is always special for us», Mahrez said at a press conference ahead of Algeria's Group E opener against Sudan, scheduled for Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at Rabat's Moulay El Hassan Stadium. «Getting off to a good start is crucial. Our last two AFCON campaigns were disappointing, and this tournament is an opportunity to make things right», added the Al Ahli winger, who has both Moroccan and Algerian roots. «Our squad is a good mix of young players and experienced ones, and we are ready for the challenge», he assured, while acknowledging that pressure is part of the game and something the players are fully aware of. The other Group E fixture will see Burkina Faso face Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca.
