Luca Zidane could be left out of Algeria’s squad for their two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Togo in November, with coach Ibrahim Hamdani reportedly considering other options amid continuing concerns over the team’s goalkeeping position.
A source told WinWin that Zidane’s return to the squad is uncertain despite the goalkeeper having completed the suspension imposed on him by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Algeria are scheduled to face Togo on 14 November in Tizi Ouzou before travelling to Lome for the return fixture on 17 November. The matches are the third and fourth in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, and Algeria will be aiming for two positive results to strengthen their position and secure early qualification.
The uncertainty surrounding Zidane highlights a persistent problem for the national team, whose coaching staff and supporters have struggled to identify a convincing successor to former first-choice goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi.
Several goalkeepers, including Anthony Mandrea, Alexis Guendouz, Luca Zidane, Oussama Benbot and Melvin Mastel, have been given opportunities, but none has consistently won over supporters, analysts and coaches.
Zidane’s return remains uncertain
According to the source, Hamdani has reservations about Zidane’s recent performances and believes the goalkeeper has not reached a sufficiently high level since his participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The source said Zidane had conceded a significant number of goals while playing for Spanish side Leganes, while his performances had fluctuated between strong displays and costly errors.
Zidane missed Algeria’s previous training camp and the matches against Zambia, Burundi and Niger because of his CAF suspension. However, the end of that punishment does not guarantee his immediate return to the national team.
The report could disappoint supporters who had expected him to be considered again, particularly after the performances of other goalkeepers during the previous camp failed to provide a clear solution.
Melvin Mastel and Abdel Latif Ramadan were among those who received opportunities, but neither is reported to have done enough to settle the debate over Algeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Zidane’s reputation among some Algerian supporters has also been affected by concerns about his performances at the 2026 World Cup. His displays against Argentina, Jordan and Switzerland reportedly raised doubts about his confidence and reliability.
The criticism became so intense that Petkovic excused him from the match against Austria because of what was described as a psychological crisis and a loss of confidence following the negative reaction to his performances.
Mastel and Ramadan could retain their places
Hamdani is reportedly leaning towards retaining Mastel, who plays for Swiss club Lausanne-Sport, and Ramadan, the goalkeeper of Algerian side Mouloudia of Algiers, for the November camp.
The coach is also expected to select a third goalkeeper, although Kilian Belazouk, who was included in the previous month’s squad, may not be the preferred choice.
The technical staff are meanwhile monitoring goalkeepers playing in the Algerian domestic league as they consider ways to strengthen competition for the position.
Alexis Guendouz of JS Kabylie and Alexandre Oukidja of ES Setif are among the players reportedly being assessed. Both have experience with the national team, which could make them candidates for a return to the squad.
The reported interest in the domestic league reflects Algeria’s search for a more dependable option in goal. Rather than relying on a limited group of candidates, the coaching staff are seeking to widen the competition and identify a goalkeeper capable of delivering consistent performances.
With the two matches against Togo approaching, Hamdani faces an important decision over who will be trusted between the posts. Zidane’s possible absence would leave the coach with further choices to make as Algeria attempt to address a position that has remained a source of concern for the team and its supporters.
The final squad announcement is expected to clarify whether Zidane will be given another opportunity or whether Hamdani will turn to other candidates for the November qualifiers.
