Algerian players Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali have been handed suspensions of two and four matches, respectively, following unruly incidents after their quarter-final loss to Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) also received a $100,000 fine over security breaches and misconduct involving players, officials, and fans. The FAF has announced plans to appeal the sanctions.
The suspensions for Zidane, the goalkeeper, and Belghali, the defender, will be served during the qualifying rounds for the 2027 AFCON.
Tensions flared after Algeria were denied a first-half penalty while the score remained 0-0. Nigeria eventually secured a 2-0 victory thanks to second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Following the final whistle, skirmishes erupted between players and staff from both teams. The FAF noted that part of the fine also addressed fan behaviour, including attempts to storm the pitch and the throwing of banknotes at match officials.
Nigeria booked their semi-final spot with a commanding performance at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. The Desert Foxes, who had conceded only one goal in the tournament prior to the quarter-final, were overwhelmed by Nigeria’s relentless attacking pressure and clinical finishing.
Alex Iwobi’s precise outside-of-the-boot pass split the Algerian defence, allowing Osimhen to set up Adams, who calmly rounded Zidane and slotted the ball into an empty net. Algeria failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match, despite second-half substitutions including Baghdad Bounedjah.
Although Nigeria were eliminated by hosts Morocco in the semi-final, they bounced back to defeat Egypt in the third-place playoff, securing their ninth third-place finish in Africa Cup of Nations history.
