AFCON Qualifiers: Algeria Exclude Luca Zidane from Squad for Togo Double-Header

Algeria have omitted goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of former France international and football legend Zinedine Zidane, from their 26-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Togo.

Algeria’s coach, Brahim Hemdani, announced the squad on Thursday, explaining that the decision to leave out the 28-year-old goalkeeper was based strictly on sporting considerations.

Zidane, who plays for Spanish club Leganés, has recently been absent from the Algerian national team due to injury and a two-match suspension arising from clashes during an AFCON encounter against Nigeria in January.

However, Hemdani dismissed suggestions that the goalkeeper’s omission was connected to disciplinary issues, insisting that his selection decisions were influenced by the need to have players who were actively participating in competitive football.

Speaking to journalists, the Algerian coach explained that he wanted three goalkeepers who were receiving sufficient playing time at their respective clubs to ensure adequate preparation for the upcoming international fixtures.

Consequently, he selected Oussama Benbot of USM Alger, Melvin Mastil of Swiss club Lausanne-Sport and Abdelatif Ramdane of MC Alger as the three goalkeepers for the matches.

Luca Zidane, who is the son of 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, became eligible to represent Algeria after switching his international allegiance in September 2025.

The goalkeeper opted to play for the North African country because of his family’s Algerian heritage, despite previously representing France at youth international level.

His exclusion from the latest squad came as a surprise, particularly as he had been regarded as one of the players capable of strengthening Algeria’s goalkeeping options.

Meanwhile, Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri was also left out of the squad.

The left-back had reportedly been sent home in September following a disagreement with members of the coaching staff during Algeria’s encounter against Zambia.

However, Hemdani insisted that there was no ongoing disagreement with the defender, explaining that his decision was based on the technical and sporting requirements for the latest selection.

The coach further emphasised that the door remained open for both players and other omitted footballers, stressing that nobody had been permanently excluded from the national team.

He maintained that future selections would depend on players’ performances and their ability to meet the team’s requirements.

Algeria are scheduled to face Togo on November 14 and November 17 in their two upcoming AFCON qualifying fixtures.

The North African side currently leads Group I with four points from two matches, while Zambia and Burundi are also competing in the group.

The upcoming double-header will be important for Algeria as they seek to strengthen their position in the qualification race and secure a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

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