Algeria's decision to address a goalkeeping shortage by calling upon Luca Zidane concluded unsuccessfully at the Africa Cup of Nations. The selection of the son of legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane, who had been playing in Spain's second division, proved a risk that did not pay off during the team's 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to Nigeria.
Algeria's decision to address a goalkeeping shortage by calling upon Luca Zidane concluded unsuccessfully at the Africa Cup of Nations. The selection of the son of legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane, who had been playing in Spain's second division, proved a risk that did not pay off during the team's 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to Nigeria.
Zidane's performance in Marrakech was marked by critical errors. A poorly judged attempt to save a header from Victor Osimhen gifted Nigeria their opening goal shortly after halftime. His vulnerable distribution also contributed directly to the second goal conceded just ten minutes later, as Nigeria capitalized on a misplaced pass.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who had previously represented France at youth level, only switched his international allegiance to Algeria in September. He was initially recruited as a backup option to first-choice Alexis Guendouz. However, an injury to Guendouz just before the tournament thrust Zidane into the starting role.
His promotion came after coach Vladimir Petkovic had ruled out selecting the previous long-term starter, Anthony Mandrea, due to his club playing in the French third division. Zidane began the competition with three clean sheets in four matches, benefiting from a sturdy defense. Yet, when placed under sustained pressure by a formidable Nigerian attack, his limitations were exposed.
Beyond the errors against Nigeria, Zidane's outing included other nervy moments, such as a first-half misjudgment of a free-kick that required a goal-line clearance from a teammate. His overall displays have cast significant doubt on his suitability as Algeria's goalkeeper ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
With Algeria drawn into a group featuring Argentina, Jordan, and Austria, coach Petkovic is now compelled to reevaluate his options. The experiment with the high-profile but inexperienced Zidane has backfired, leaving Algeria's goalkeeping situation unresolved as they prepare for the global tournament in North America.
