Nigeria, Dec. 25 -- The fourth day of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco delivered authority, tension and late drama, as Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Cameroon all claimed important victories that began to shape the early narrative of the tournament.

In Rabat, Algeria opened their Group E campaign in emphatic fashion, crushing Sudan 3-0 under the watchful eye of football legend Zinedine Zidane.

Though Zidane made his name with France, his Algerian roots added symbolism to the night, further underlined by the presence of his son, Luca, in goal for the Desert Foxes.

After the restart, Algeria increased their intensity. Mahrez doubled the lead in the 61st minute, converting a fine assist from Mohamed Amine Amoura, before...