On Wednesday night in Rabat, Algeria finally ended a six-year wait for victory at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, launching their Morocco 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion with a dominant 3–0 win over Sudan.
It was a night rich in milestones. Captain Riyad Mahrez carved his name deeper into Algerian history, scoring twice to become the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer at the AFCON finals with eight goals.
Substitute Ibrahim Maza then added the finishing touch, netting to become the youngest Algerian scorer in the competition’s history at just 20 years and 30 days.
Yet amid the attacking brilliance, a quieter but equally decisive contribution came from Luca Zidane. On his Africa Cup of Nations debut, the goalkeeper marked the occasion with a composed clean sheet that underlined Algeria’s renewed solidity.
A perfect debut between the posts
At the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Algeria’s dominance was reflected not only in their goals but in a goal that remained firmly protected. Trusted with the starting role, Zidane delivered a dream debut, keeping Sudan at bay with assurance and maturity.
The 27-year-old Granada shot-stopper dealt calmly with the few moments of danger that came his way, showing confidence, command of his area and comfort with the ball at his feet.
Head coach Vladimir Petković was quick to acknowledge the 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,” Petković said.
Protected by an experienced back line that included Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ramy Bensebaini, Zidane emerged as a steady reference point from the outset — clear evidence that his inclusion was no coincidence.
Algeria over France: a personal decision
Zidane’s international path could easily have followed a different direction. Having represented France at the youth level, he ultimately chose to commit his future to Algeria, a decision shaped by family and identity.
“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 bond was visible in the stands in Rabat, where his father, Zinedine Zidane — FIFA World Cup winner in 1998 and a global football icon — watched on. Each appearance of the former Real Madrid coach on the big screens drew applause, moments that did nothing to unsettle his son.
“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.”
A new chapter in goal
Zidane’s emergence comes at a pivotal moment for Algerian football. After back-to-back AFCON group-stage exits in 2021 and 2023 without a single win, the Fennecs arrived in Morocco determined to rediscover their identity.
The goalkeeper’s position has long been defined by iconic figures, notably Rais M’Bolhi, whose performances at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and on the continental stage set a high standard.
Now, Zidane is stepping into that lineage, bringing a modern profile: calm under pressure, vocal in organisation and confident in building play from the back. His clean sheet against Sudan was no fluke, but the product of preparation, patience and deliberate career choices.
Eyes on the next test
With confidence restored and momentum regained, Algeria must now shift focus to their next Group challenge against Burkina Faso on Sunday in Rabat.
The Burkinabè arrive buoyed by a 2–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea on Matchday One and will pose a stern test.
For the Fennecs, the mission is clear: sustain their revival, preserve the defensive stability anchored by Zidane, and continue blending experience with youth as they seek to build on a long-awaited AFCON victory.
