Nigeria’s attacking stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola
Lookman will pose the biggest challenge yet to Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane’s
flawless record when both sides meet in the Africa Cup of Nations
quarter-finals in Morocco on Saturday.
Zidane, the son of French football legend Zinedine
Zidane, is the only first-choice goalkeeper among the remaining eight teams to
keep a clean sheet in every match he has started at the tournament. However,
the task awaiting him in Marrakesh is formidable.
Osimhen and Lookman, both former African Footballer of
the Year winners, have been among the most devastating attackers at the
tournament, scoring three goals each to lead Nigeria’s charge.
The 27-year-old Zidane shut out Sudan and Burkina Faso
during the group stage before being rested against Equatorial Guinea. He
returned for the last-16 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo,
keeping another clean sheet in a dramatic extra-time victory.
Zidane has enjoyed vocal family support in Morocco,
with his father, mother and brother present at matches.
“It is special when your family come to watch,” said
Zidane, who plays for Spanish second-division side Granada after beginning his
career with Real Madrid B.
Born in France, Zidane represented the country at five
youth levels but was also eligible for Spain and Algeria through his
grandparents. He opted for Algeria, making his senior debut in a 2026 World Cup
qualifier against Uganda last November before stepping in at AFCON following an
injury to first-choice goalkeeper Alexis Guendoez.
“I am proud to represent Algeria and play in the
Africa Cup of Nations. It is a great experience,” he said, adding that he is
determined to carve his own path despite his famous surname.
“I try to be myself and build my career step by step.”
Quarter-Final Preview
AFP Sport highlights the four quarter-final clashes
taking place on Friday and Saturday, featuring seven former AFCON champions.
All eight teams are ranked within Africa’s top 10.
Mali vs Senegal
Mali are the only remaining side yet to win the AFCON.
They reached the quarter-finals without a single victory, drawing all three
group matches before edging Tunisia on penalties.
Coach Tom Saintfiet hailed his players as “national
heroes” after they held Tunisia for 94 minutes with 10 men following Woyo
Coulibaly’s red card.
Senegal welcome back captain Kalidou Koulibaly after
suspension. He joins a core of experienced players including goalkeeper Edouard
Mendy, midfielder Idrissa Gueye and forward Sadio Mane.
Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye has emerged as an exciting
prospect after becoming the second-youngest scorer in AFCON history with his
goal off the bench against Sudan.
Cameroon vs Morocco
Cameroon boast a dominant AFCON record against Morocco
and have never lost to the Atlas Lions in the competition. They also last won a
competitive match on Moroccan soil in a 2009 World Cup qualifier.
However, history may count for little as tournament
favourites Morocco arrive in strong form. Full-back Achraf Hakimi has recovered
from an ankle injury, while forward Brahim Diaz has scored in all four of his
appearances.
Algeria vs Nigeria
Algeria have traditionally been a difficult opponent
for Nigeria, winning four and drawing two of their nine AFCON meetings,
including a memorable 5-1 victory en route to the 1990 title.
Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, the Desert Foxes have
overcome recent group-stage failures. Substitute Adil Boulbina’s stunning
strike sealed their last-16 victory over DR Congo.
Nigeria, however, are the tournament’s top scorers
with 12 goals. Osimhen, Lookman and Akor Adams have formed one of AFCON’s most
lethal attacking trios.
Defensively, coach Eric Chelle may have concerns, with
the Super Eagles conceding four goals — the highest among the
quarter-finalists.
Egypt vs Ivory Coast
Defending champions Ivory Coast face a daunting
challenge against Egypt, having won just one of 11 AFCON meetings between the
sides.
Nevertheless, the Ivorians will take confidence from a
commanding 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, inspired by Manchester United winger Amad
Diallo.
Egypt, meanwhile, needed extra time to edge past Benin
in the last 16, with Mohamed Salah converting a late penalty to seal victory.
Salah, who has won every major club trophy with
Liverpool, is chasing continental glory after finishing runner-up twice at the
AFCON.
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