Two Algerian footballers, Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali, have been handed match bans following post-match disturbances after Algeria’s quarter-final loss to Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announced on Wednesday that goalkeeper Zidane has been suspended for two matches, while defender Belghali received a four-match ban.
The sanctions stemmed from their involvement in a heated confrontation that erupted after the final whistle of the tightly contested encounter in Marrakesh.
In addition to the player suspensions, the FAF was fined $100,000 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a series of disciplinary breaches.
These included lapses in security, misconduct by players and officials, and crowd-related incidents involving Algerian supporters.
According to the federation, some fans attempted to breach the pitch perimeter and displayed banknotes in a provocative manner towards match officials.
The FAF confirmed it intends to appeal both the fines and the suspensions. If upheld, the bans will be served during Algeria’s qualification matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The quarter-final itself ended in a 2–0 victory for Nigeria, who broke the deadlock in the second half after a tense opening period.
Algeria had earlier been denied a penalty while the game was still goalless, a decision that added to the growing frustration within the Desert Foxes’ camp.
Nigeria’s goals came through Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, sealing a dominant performance that booked the Super Eagles a place in the semi-finals.
Adams’ goal followed a swift attacking move that dismantled the Algerian defence, leaving goalkeeper Zidane exposed.
Despite entering the match with one of the tournament’s strongest defensive records, Algeria struggled to cope with Nigeria’s intensity and failed to register a single shot on target.
Tactical substitutions, including the introduction of Baghdad Bounedjah, did little to alter the outcome.
The defeat ended Algeria’s AFCON campaign, while Nigeria went on to finish third in the tournament, claiming their ninth bronze-medal finish at the continental championship.
