As the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals heat up in Morocco, all eyes will be on Nigeria’s lethal attackers, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
The dynamic duo is preparing to challenge Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, whose flawless record has become one of the tournament’s talking points.
Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has kept a clean sheet in every game he’s played for the Desert Foxes so far, making him the only starting keeper among the quarter-finalists with such a record.
But stopping Nigeria’s forwards, who have both scored three goals each in the tournament, will be no easy feat.
Luca Zidane: Living Up to a Famous Name
The 27-year-old has shown composure under pressure, recording clean sheets in group matches against Sudan and Burkina Faso before being rested against Equatorial Guinea.
He returned for the thrilling last-16 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo and maintained his unbeaten streak during extra time.
Family support has been a constant presence in the stands.
“It’s special when your family comes to watch,” Luca admitted, noting that both his father, Zinedine, his Spanish wife, and his brother have cheered him on at every game.
Starting his professional career at Real Madrid B in 2016, Luca now plays for Granada in Spain’s second division.
Though born in France and eligible to play for Spain or Algeria, he chose the latter, making his international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda in November 2025.
“I am proud to represent Algeria and play in the Africa Cup of Nations. It’s a great experience,” he said.
Despite the weight of his famous surname, Luca insists he is carving his own path.
“I try to be myself and build my career on my own terms, step by step,” he explained.
Quarter-Final Matchups Promise Excitement
Mali vs Senegal
Mali enter the quarter-finals as the only team among the eight to have never won the AFCON.
Despite three draws in the group stage, they advanced past Tunisia in a penalty shootout.
Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet described his squad as “national heroes,” highlighting their resilience while playing almost a full game with ten men after Woyo Coulibaly’s sending off.
Senegal, meanwhile, welcome back centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly from suspension.
Key players such as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, midfielder Idrissa Gueye, and forward Sadio Mane will anchor the team, while 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye has emerged as a rising star, scoring against Sudan as the tournament’s second youngest scorer.
Cameroon vs Morocco
For Morocco, memories of Cameroon are tinged with history.
The Indomitable Lions have never lost to Morocco in AFCON play and were the last team to win on Moroccan soil, a World Cup qualifier back in 2009.
Yet statistics offer limited comfort, as Morocco are strong favorites under coach Walid Regragui.
Full-back Achraf Hakimi has recovered from an ankle injury to lead the Atlas Lions, and forward Brahim Diaz has been in fine form, scoring in all four of his tournament appearances.
Algeria vs Nigeria
Nigeria faces one of its historical AFCON nemeses in Algeria.
The Desert Foxes have dominated past encounters, winning four and drawing two out of nine matches, including a 5-1 rout during the 1990 tournament.
Under Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria has moved past earlier disappointments, with substitute Adil Boulbina scoring a stunning goal to knock out DR Congo.
Nigeria, top scorers of the tournament with 12 goals, rely on Osimhen, Lookman, and Akor Adams to form a formidable attacking front.
Still, coach Eric Chelle may be wary of his team’s defensive record, having conceded four goals—the most among the quarter-finalists.
Egypt vs Ivory Coast
Egypt will meet Ivory Coast, a team that has historically struggled against the Pharaohs, winning only once in 11 previous AFCON encounters.
However, their 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, powered by Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, has raised hopes of a deeper run.
Egypt, on the other hand, required 124 minutes to defeat Benin in the last round, with Mohamed Salah scoring the decisive goal.
Already a winner of every major English trophy with Liverpool, Salah is eager to lift Africa’s biggest prize after finishing runner-up twice.
Africa’s Top Teams Battle for Glory
With all eight quarter-finalists ranked among Africa’s top 10, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria, Mali, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast promise high-stakes clashes and plenty of drama.
Fans can expect thrilling goals, rising stars, and moments of history as teams compete to reach the semifinals and continue their march toward AFCON glory.
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