# Luca Zidane Excluded from Algeria National Team for AFCON Qualifiers Coach Brahim Hemdani cites sporting criteria for omitting goalkeeper from upcoming Togo matches. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat English](https://english.aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6f37b787-7527-4901-b1dd-5487fd7bf9ed ## Squad Selection Decisions Algeria national team coach Brahim Hemdani has officially excluded goalkeeper Luca Zidane from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Togo. The matches are scheduled for November 14 and 17. Hemdani confirmed the decision during a press briefing on Thursday, emphasizing that the selection process remains strictly focused on current performance. ## Technical Sporting Criteria Hemdani justified the omission by citing the need for goalkeepers who are currently receiving maximum playing time at their respective clubs. Zidane, 28, has faced recent challenges, including injuries and a two-game suspension following an altercation during a January match against Nigeria. The coach prioritizes match fitness for this critical qualification phase. ## New Goalkeeper Call-ups To replace the absent players, the coaching staff has called up three alternative goalkeepers to the 26-man squad. The selections include Oussama Benbot from USM Alger, Melvin Mastil representing Swiss club Lausanne-Sport, and Abdelatif Ramdane from MC Alger. These players will compete for the starting position in the upcoming Group I fixtures. ## Background of Zidane Luca Zidane, son of football icon Zinedine Zidane, officially joined the Algerian national team in September 2025. He made the decision to represent the country based on his family roots after changing his sporting nationality. His current club tenure is with Leganes, where he continues to develop his professional career in Spain. ## Ait-Nouri Also Absent The squad announcement also noted the absence of Manchester City defender Rayan Ait-Nouri. The left-back was previously sent home in September following a reported dispute with the coaching staff during a match against Zambia. Hemdani clarified that there is no ongoing conflict, stating that inclusion is based on specific, evolving team criteria. ## Future Squad Possibilities Despite the current exclusions, Hemdani maintained a positive outlook regarding the future of the national team roster. He explicitly stated that no player has been permanently removed from consideration for future call-ups. The coach emphasized that the door remains open for all eligible athletes who meet the required standards for international duty. ## Current Group Standing Algeria currently leads AFCON qualification Group I, which also features Zambia and Burundi. The team has secured four points from their first two matches in the qualifying campaign. These upcoming games against Togo are vital for maintaining their top position and securing a comfortable path toward the final tournament stages next year. ## Strategic Team Management The decision to rotate the squad reflects a broader strategy to ensure depth and competitiveness within the Algerian national team. By prioritizing active players, Hemdani aims to mitigate risks associated with inactivity or disciplinary issues. This approach highlights the high stakes of the AFCON qualifiers as the team pushes for consistent success. ## Sources covering this story - https://english.aawsat.com/node/5338050 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._