On Christmas Eve, 2025, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked off with a thrilling match between Algeria and Sudan at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The spotlight was on Luca Zidane, the son of legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane, who was making his debut in the tournament as Algeria's goalkeeper. The match not only marked the beginning of a promising campaign for Algeria but also a proud moment for the Zidane family.
The match was a resounding success for Algeria, who secured a 3-0 victory over Sudan. Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s captain, played a pivotal role with a double goal, contributing significantly to the team's dominant performance. The victory was a testament to Algeria's strength and strategic play, setting a high bar for their upcoming matches in the tournament.
Luca Zidane, who was making his debut for the Algerian national team, performed admirably, keeping a clean sheet throughout the match. His composed performance under pressure was a reflection of his father’s legendary skills. Zinedine Zidane, who was in the stands, was clearly proud, his beaming smile a testament to his son’s success.
The match was not just about the goals; it was also about the strategic play and the team's cohesion. Sudan, despite being a 10-man team, put up a valiant effort, but Algeria's superior skills and tactics proved too much to handle. The early goal by Riyad Mahrez within the first two minutes set the tone for the match, and Algeria maintained their dominance throughout.
The atmosphere at the Moulay Hassan Stadium was electric. Fans from both countries were in high spirits, and the stadium was filled with chants and cheers, especially when the cameras caught Zinedine Zidane in the stands. His presence added an extra layer of excitement to the match, as fans and players alike were thrilled to see the football legend supporting his son.
With this triumphant start, Algeria is well-positioned to advance in the tournament. The team's performance was a mix of individual brilliance and collective effort, with Riyad Mahrez and Luca Zidane standing out as key players. As the Africa Cup of Nations continues, all eyes will be on Algeria to see if they can maintain this level of play and potentially lift the trophy.
