SOCCER: Goalkeeper Zidane fast becoming Algeria favourite

Algeria will be aiming for a perfect Africa Cup of Nations group stage when they take on Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, especially if they can keep another clean sheet behind goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who has been in impressive form in Morocco.

The two-time African champions opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Sudan, followed by a 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso, securing the top spot in Group E. Zidane made crucial saves in both games to help Vladimir Petkovic's side maintain their dominance.

Algeria had managed only one clean sheet in their previous six AFCON matches, having been eliminated in the group stage in both 2021 and 2023, despite winning the tournament in 2019 in Egypt.

However, since switching international allegiance to Algeria in September after representing France at the youth level, Luca Zidane—the son of French World Cup-winning legend Zinedine Zidane—has helped the team keep two clean sheets in three matches across all competitions.

The 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper has quickly adapted to his role as first choice, according to coach Petkovic.

“Zidane contributed significantly to both victories. He began to integrate and gain experience in a short period of time,” Petkovic said on Tuesday.

Despite joining the squad only in October, Zidane has not hesitated to direct his teammates on the pitch, said defender Rayan Ait-Nouri.

“Luca is a fantastic person. He integrated quickly into the group, he’s very vocal on the pitch, and he gives us great support. He’s a player and a person who fits the team perfectly,” Ait-Nouri added.

Another clean sheet should not be too difficult against an Equatorial Guinea side that has already been eliminated from the tournament, having scored just one goal in two games.

Reporting by Mohamed Yossry, additional reporting by Ahmad El Ghannam and Donia Saad; editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters