Mahrez: ‘Sad After AFCON 2025 Exit, Sorry to Fans’
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has expressed his deep disappointment following the team’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, after a 2–0 defeat to Nigeria in the quarterfinals.
Speaking to the media after the match, Mahrez admitted the loss was difficult to accept and highlighted the challenges of winning the continental crown.
‘I was hoping to win a second title in the Africa Cup of Nations after the achievement of 2019. Very sad after we were eliminated in the quarterfinals, it’s difficult. Winning the Africa Cup of Nations is not easy, and this new generation of the team is obliged to overcome these difficult stages. We came out with our heads held high,’ he said.
Mahrez also touched on refereeing decisions during the game, though he refused to dwell on them.
‘The referee… I don’t want to talk about him, but he didn’t count a penalty and he was shown a yellow card quickly. This is not an excuse, but everyone saw what happened,’ he remarked.
The former Manchester City winger concluded his statement with an apology to supporters, acknowledging their disappointment.
‘I am sorry for the fans and our families,’ Mahrez said, stressing his sense of responsibility towards the feelings of those who had hoped Algeria would progress further in the tournament.
Nigeria’s victory extended their remarkable record in AFCON quarterfinals to 11 wins in 12 appearances since 1992, while Algeria’s campaign ended in frustration despite entering the knockout stages unbeaten.
