These two nations have faced each other several times, including four meetings since 2021. Algeria recorded two wins and two draws against Sudan during that period.

Sudan showed strong defensive organisation in those earlier encounters, but Algeria were not at full strength at the time, with several key players missing from the squad. The situation is different now, as Mahrez and company arrive motivated and close to full strength, aiming to start the tournament with a positive result.

Recent performances raise concerns for Sudan. The last two matches before AFCON ended in defeats against Bahrain and Iraq, both by a two-goal margin, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that could be costly at this level.