Riyad Mahrez Stars in Algeria’s 5-1 AFCON Qualifier Win

Riyad Mahrez helped Algeria to a commanding 5-1 victory over Liberia on Sunday in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final-round qualifier. The win came in a Group E match where both teams had already secured their spots for the 24-team AFCON set to take place in Morocco from December 21 next year. Algeria’s victory was highlighted by goals from three veterans. Liberia shocked Algeria early when Sampson Dweh scored in the 6th minute but Algeria quickly responded.

Aissa Mandi, 33, equalized midway through the first half. Riyad Mahrez, the 33-year-old winger then put his team ahead with a header in the 29th minute. Baghdad Bounedjah added a third in the 64th minute, poking home a rebound. As Liberia faded, Algeria added two more goals. Amine Gouiri netted his fourth goal of the campaign in the 74th minute and substitute Mohammed Amoura sealed the win in added time. Algeria finished the group unbeaten, topping the table with 16 points while Liberia ended with four points.

In the other Group E match, Togo secured their first victory of the campaign defeating Equatorial Guinea 3-0. Yaw Annor scored twice and Kevin Denkey added another, giving Togo their first win after five matches without a victory. With both Algeria and Equatorial Guinea already qualified for the AFCON, the remaining qualifying matches this week will decide the final spots. As of now, 11 countries remain in contention for the five remaining places in next year’s tournament.