Luca Zidane dropped from Algeria squad for Afcon qualifiers
Luca Zidane was dropped 'based on sporting criteria', with coach Brahim Hemdani saying he needed three goalkeepers who were getting as much playing time as possible.
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been left out of the national team's squad for upcoming Afcon qualifiers against Togo, according to coach Brahim Hemdani. Zidane was absent due to injury and a two-match suspension following a scuffle during a January match against Nigeria. Hemdani informed journalists that he needed three goalkeepers with ample playing time, leading to the selection of Oussama Benbot from USM Alger, Melvin Mastil of Swiss club Lausanne-Sport, and Abdelatif Ramdane from MC Alger.
Zidane, who joined the Algerian team after switching his sporting nationality to represent Algeria in September 2025, was notably absent from the squad, alongside Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, who had been sent home in September for reportedly clashing with the coaching staff during a match against Zambia. However, Hemdani clarified that there were no underlying issues, as there are specific criteria for a player's inclusion.
Algeria currently tops Group I of the Afcon qualification standings with four points from two games, facing Togo in two upcoming qualifiers on November 14 and 17.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Luca Zidane dropped from Algeria squad for Afcon qualifiers freemalaysiatoday.com
- Zidane’s son dropped from Algeria squad for AFCON qualifiers dailypost.ng
