Riyad Mahrez’s lightning start: Algeria’s fastest AFCON goal etches a new legacy
24 December 2025
Record-Breaking Start for Algeria
Riyad Mahrez, the Al-Ahli Saudi star, did not need long to shine with his national team at the Africa Cup of Nations, as he scored the fastest goal of the current edition of the tournament held in Morocco.
Just 81 seconds into Algeria's opener against Sudan, Mahrez opened the scoring with a finish from a pass by Hicham Boudaoui.
The goal, in the second minute, stands as Algeria's fastest AFCON goal since Baghdad Bounedjah struck in the second minute against Senegal in 2019 in Egypt.
Mahrez also became the second Algerian to score in four AFCON editions, after Rabah Madjer.
Madjer had tallied in 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1988, while Mahrez has found the net in 2015, 2017, 2019 and now 2025.
On Algeria's all-time AFCON scorers list, Mahrez now leads with seven goals, overtaking Lakhdar Beloumi who had six; Baghdad Bounedjah and Jamal Menad (five).
Punchline 1: If football were a sniper, Mahrez would take a headshot in 81 seconds.
Punchline 2: The crowd’s reaction? Let’s just say the goalkeeper needs a cup of tea and a referee’s whistle to recover.
