Algeria goalkeeper Melvin Mastil faces questions after difficult qualifiers

Melvin Mastil has come under scrutiny after conceding three goals in Algeria’s two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia and Burundi.

The Lausanne Sport goalkeeper was given the opportunity to start both matches in the absence of Luca Zidane, who was suspended. However, Mastil was unable to keep a clean sheet in either game, leaving questions over his position as Algeria consider their options in goal.

Mastil had previously produced quieter performances in two friendly matches against Guatemala and Bolivia. He played the full match against Guatemala and 45 minutes against Bolivia without conceding.

The competitive fixtures presented a different challenge, and Mastil was unable to produce the same level of security behind the Algeria defence.

The goalkeeper had been part of Vladimir Petkovic’s squad for the 2026 World Cup and became the leading option after Zidane was ruled out for administrative reasons.

Brahim Hemdani and Anthar Yahia followed that line of thinking by selecting Mastil ahead of Abdellatif Ramdane. Kilian Belazzoug was also among the goalkeeping options, although he was not considered a leading candidate for the position.

Ramdane had also provided arguments for consideration, but Mastil was given the opportunity to establish himself.

Instead, some aspects of his performances have raised concerns, particularly his positioning and distribution.

During Tuesday’s match, Mastil’s positioning was questioned for Chaïbi’s own goal. Chaïbi received the ball with his back to goal while under pressure and appeared to have limited options for distributing it.

Mastil remained near the edge of his penalty area rather than offering himself as an available passing option. The situation highlighted the demands placed on modern goalkeepers to contribute outside their penalty areas and provide an outlet when defenders or midfielders are under pressure.

His distribution had also been questioned during the match against Zambia.

On that occasion, Mastil misjudged a clearance after receiving a pass from Hadjam, which had been slightly overhit. The incident added to concerns about his ability to contribute with the ball at his feet.

Mastil does have the physical attributes required for the position, standing at 1.94m, but his performances during the two qualifiers have not completely settled the debate over Algeria’s first choice goalkeeper.

With Zidane unavailable for the current fixtures, Mastil was given the opportunity to strengthen his case.

Instead, his displays against Zambia and Burundi have opened the door for Ramdane to receive another opportunity.

The next chance could come in Algeria’s friendly against Niger on 6 October, where Ramdane is expected to have the opportunity to compete for the position.

For now, the goalkeeping situation remains one of the areas Algeria may need to assess as preparations continue for their upcoming international matches.