Algeria ended a six-year wait for victory at the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night, launching their Morocco 2025 campaign with a commanding 3–0 win over Sudan at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
It was a night of milestones. Riyad Mahrez struck twice to become Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at AFCON finals with eight goals, while substitute Ibrahim Maza added a third to enter the record books as the youngest Algerian scorer in tournament history at just 20 years and 30 days.
Yet beyond the attacking fireworks, one debut stood out quietly but decisively: Luca Zidane.
Dream Debut Between the Posts
Handed the responsibility in goal, the 27-year-old Granada shot-stopper delivered a flawless performance, keeping a clean sheet in his first AFCON appearance. Calm under pressure and assured with the ball at his feet, Zidane gave Algeria the defensive stability they had been missing in recent editions.
Head coach Vladimir Petković was quick to highlight his impact:
“Zidane gave the team a real sense of security and played well with his feet, despite it being one of his first matches with the national team.”
Shielded by an experienced back line featuring Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ramy Bensebaini, Zidane looked every bit the heir to Algeria’s rich goalkeeping tradition.
A Family-Driven Decision
Zidane’s international journey could easily have taken another route. Having represented France at youth level, he ultimately chose Algeria — a decision shaped by family ties.
“My grandfather encouraged me to play for Algeria. He wanted me to be proud of my origins, and I wanted to honour him,” Zidane told CAFOnline. “My father told me to make my choice and to do it with conviction.”
That choice was celebrated in Rabat, where his father, Zinedine Zidane — the 1998 World Cup winner and Real Madrid legend — watched from the stands alongside Luca’s brother. Each time the elder Zidane appeared on the stadium’s big screen, applause rang out, though Luca remained focused.
“It’s really nice that he came with my brother,” Luca said. “I’ve always had my family’s support, and seeing them here at AFCON gives me even more strength to defend Algeria’s colours.”
Stepping Into a Legacy
For Algeria, goalkeepers have often been central figures. Rais M’Bolhi, in particular, defined the role for over a decade, producing iconic performances at the 2014 World Cup and across AFCON campaigns. Luca Zidane now steps into that legacy, bringing his own style — calm, authoritative, and comfortable building play from the back.
His clean sheet against Sudan was no accident. It reflected careful preparation, deliberate career choices, and a determination to succeed in one of football’s most demanding positions.
Looking Ahead
Algeria’s victory marked the end of a barren run at AFCON, where they failed to win a single match in 2021 and 2023. With defensive solidity restored and attacking flair intact, Les Fennecs look ready to reassert themselves.
Next up is Burkina Faso on Sunday in Rabat. The Burkinabè arrive buoyed by a thrilling 2–1 win over Equatorial Guinea and will provide a stern test. For Algeria, the mission is clear: confirm their revival, maintain the defensive stability introduced by Zidane, and continue building momentum in pursuit of continental glory.
Culled from CAFonline