On Wednesday in Rabat, a famous surname met a new stage. Zinedine Zidane watched as his son, Luca Zidane, made his Africa Cup of Nations debut and kept a clean sheet in Algeria’s strong 3-0 win over 10-man Sudan. It was a calm, tidy performance from the 20-year-old goalkeeper, and a composed start for the Fennec Foxes in their AFCON 2025 Group E opener.

Riyad Mahrez scored twice, in the 2nd and 61st minutes, while young midfielder Ibrahim Maza added a late third in the 85th. Sudan’s task grew harder when Salah Adil picked up a second yellow card before halftime. Algeria did what they needed to do: start fast, take control, and shut the door.

A father watching, a son debuting

There was a clear story within the story. Luca Zidane, born in France and the grandson of an Algerian, chose to represent Algeria after receiving an invitation from the national team. On his very first AFCON start, he showed why that choice already feels right for him and for the team. He stood up early, racing out to stop Yaser Awad on a break, and later saved again when Sudan pushed. He looked steady, he looked calm, and he looked ready.

That his father was in the stands only added to the moment. Zinedine Zidane is one of football’s most famous names. But this night belonged to Luca. He did the basics well, made key saves when needed, and gave Algeria a sense of peace at the back. With regular starter Alexandre Oukidja injured, Luca grabbed his chance.

“Was that calm from a 20-year-old? Algeria may have found their No.1.”

Mahrez sets the tone, twice

Good tournaments often start with good habits. Algeria have not begun well in their last two AFCON campaigns, and Mahrez knew it. He struck almost right away in the 2nd minute, a goal that settled nerves and set the tempo. After the break, he made it two with a composed finish in the 61st minute. Mahrez did not need fireworks, just clean execution and timing.

“The most important thing was to start with a win. The last two AFCONs, we didn’t start good. Today, we really wanted to make it happen and we did,” Mahrez said afterward. It was a simple message with big meaning. Early wins build belief. Early wins avoid doubt.

Sudan’s red card and a heavy backdrop

Sudan fought hard, but the red card to Salah Adil before halftime changed the picture. Down to 10 men, Sudan had to sit deeper and choose their moments. Even so, they created two looks for Yaser Awad, and on another day one of those might go in. Luca Zidane denied both.

There is more to Sudan’s story than one match. The team has been forced to play all of its qualification games away from home because of a near 1,000-day civil war. That fact demands respect and context. They came into this opener carrying more than just football pressure.

“Respect to Sudan’s fight — if Luca blinks on those chances, this game turns.”

What Luca’s night means for Algeria

Algeria needed a steady hand after Oukidja’s injury. They got it. Luca Zidane did not try to do too much. He made the saves he should make, handled crosses, and kept his back line calm. That matters as much as any highlight stop. Clean sheets are team work, but the keeper sets the tone.

For Luca, this is a start, not a finish. He plays for Granada in Spain’s second tier, and this stage is a step up. But he looked at home. For Algeria, it offers a clear message: there is depth at a key position. If this form holds, competition for the gloves will be healthy, which is exactly what contenders need in tournament play.

“Mahrez wrote the headline. Luca delivered the plot twist: zero conceded.”

Key moments and numbers from Algeria 3-0 Sudan

• 2′ — Riyad Mahrez opens the scoring, settling Algeria early.
• Before HT — Sudan’s Salah Adil sent off after a second yellow; Sudan down to 10.
• 61′ — Mahrez doubles the lead with his second.
• 85′ — Ibrahim Maza scores his first international goal to seal it at 3-0.
• Two key saves — Luca Zidane denies Yaser Awad on a first-half break and again later.
• Venue — Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco.

Why this start matters in Group E

Openers can set the tone for a whole group. Algeria now carry three points, a clean sheet, and confidence. Just as important, they have proof that their plan survives the unexpected — like an injury to their starting goalkeeper. The performance was simple and sharp, and it gives the coaching staff a clean base to build on for the next match.

There will be tougher tests. Opponents will press more. The box will feel busier. That is when a goalkeeper’s calm and a captain’s finishing matter most. On Wednesday, both boxes looked under control for Algeria: Mahrez took his chances; Luca kept his goal safe.

Big picture: legacy and choice

Luca Zidane’s decision to play for Algeria, his grandfather’s country, adds a human touch to this football story. It is about heritage, pride, and a new path. With his father watching, he made a strong first impression. The shirt looked good on him. The moment looked right.

For Algeria supporters, this was the opening they hoped for: goals from their star, a debut that didn’t blink, and a team that finished the job. For Sudan, it was a difficult night made harder by the red card, but their resilience within a tough national reality deserves respect.

Bottom line: It’s only one game, but it was the kind of game that settles a camp and excites a crowd. Algeria have started fast. Luca Zidane has arrived. Now comes the test of keeping that level when the pressure rises.