Algeria secured a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, but goalkeeper Luca Zidane drew criticism for his performance, earning a below-average rating despite the victory.
The son of Zinedine Zidane has taken over as Algeria’s number one in the absence of Alexis Guendouz, making it his third international appearance since debuting on October 14.
Zidane’s first match against Uganda drew a 6/10 rating, as he faced limited action, conceding a goal where he could have reacted more sharply.
In his second match, he impressed with a series of remarkable saves against Sudan, including a foot-level stop and a powerful shot parried expertly, earning a 7.5/10.
His footwork was also flawless, showing clear development.
Against Burkina Faso, however, the goalkeeper struggled with decision-making and distribution. Early in the match, he was denied by the left post from a corner, despite a strong dive.
Later, Zidane made two saves—one from a weak header and another from himself—while diving to prevent several off-target attempts, which provided reassurance to the defense.
The major concern arose after Riyad Mahrez’s goal, when Zidane nearly gifted an equalizer with a poor clearance. This lapse repeated at intervals throughout the game.
His passing statistics were notably weak: Zidane gave away 17 balls to the opposition, completing only 64% of his passes, compared with just three mispasses against Sudan.
This placed sustained pressure on Algeria’s backline, particularly against Burkina Faso’s high pressing.
While Zidane demonstrated moments of athleticism and shot-stopping skill, his overall contribution exposed risks in Algeria’s buildup play.
Analysts suggest that he must improve composure and distribution to match the demands of being a first-choice goalkeeper at the continental level.
The victory highlights Algeria’s offensive efficiency, but Zidane’s inconsistencies remain a talking point as the team prepares for the knockout rounds.
