Goalkeeper Zidane fast becoming Algeria favorite

Algeria will be looking to make it a perfect Africa Cup of Nations group phase when it faces Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, particularly if it keeps another ​clean sheet as goalkeeper Luca Zidane shines in Morocco.

The ‍two-time African ⁠champion started its campaign with a 3-0 ‍win over Sudan followed by a 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso to secure top spot in Group E in which Zidane made crucial saves to keep Vladimir Petkovic's side in the game.

Algeria ‍kept one clean sheet in its previous six games at AFCON, where it was eliminated at the group stage in 2021 ‌and 2023 respectively after being crowned African champion in the 2019 edition in Egypt.

However, since ​Luca Zidane, son ‌of French World Cup-winning great Zinedine, switched ‌international allegiance in September after playing for France as ​a ‌junior, Algeria has kept two clean sheets in three games with him in all competitions.

The 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper has adapted quickly since becoming first choice, Petkovic remarked.

"Zidane contributed significantly to both victories. He began to integrate and gain experience in a short period of time," the coach said on Tuesday.

Despite only being with the team since October, Zidane has not ‍been ‍shy about instructing his new teammates, defender Rayan Ait-Nouri said.

"Luca is a fantastic person. He integrated quickly into ‍the group, he's very talkative on the pitch, and he gives us great support. He's a player and a person who fits the team perfectly," Ait-Nouri added.

Another clean sheet ‌should not be too difficult against an Equatorial Guinea side that has been eliminated from the tournament having scored once in two games.