Luca Zidane in contention to start for Algeria at AFCON, Petkovic to decide shortly before opener | OneFootball

With Alexis Guendouz ruled out by a calf injury, Luca Zidane could start for Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, though Vladimir Petkovic has not decided yet.

AFCON begins on 21 December in Morocco. According to L'Équipe, Guendouz had been the regular No 1, earning 14 caps in total, 9 of them since October 2024.

Petkovic said he was very disappointed for Guendouz, calling the timing the worst for player and team. He added that he will choose his starter two or three days before the first match and wants to give each keeper the chance to prove themselves. He noted the trio have different profiles and that all three remain in contention.

Zidane, who committed to Algeria two months ago, has one cap from October 2025. Oussama Benbot has two, from June and November 2025. Anthony Mandrea of Stade Malherbe de Caen has 20 caps but was omitted from the last four squads before Guendouz’s injury.

For the Granada goalkeeper, an assured first outing could cement a place, while an early mistake might cost him. For now he appears to be one of the two leading candidates to start.

Source: L'Équipe