Algerian internationals Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali have been handed suspensions of two and four matches respectively for their involvement in unsavoury scenes following Algeria’s quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the sanctions on Wednesday, revealing it had also been fined $100,000 for security failures and misconduct by players, officials and supporters. Goalkeeper Zidane and defender Belghali will serve their bans during qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The FAF said it intends to appeal against the disciplinary measures.
Algeria had been denied a penalty while the match remained goalless before eventually losing 2-0, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scoring in the second half for Nigeria. Tensions flared after the final whistle, leading to a confrontation involving players and staff from both sides.
According to the FAF, the fines also relate to supporters attempting to invade the pitch and waving banknotes at match officials.
Nigeria secured their place in the semi-finals with a commanding display at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, ending Algeria’s impressive defensive record after the Desert Foxes had conceded just once prior to the quarter-final.
The breakthrough came when Alex Iwobi split the Algerian defence with a deft outside-of-the-boot pass, Osimhen unselfishly squared for Adams, who rounded Zidane before tapping into an empty net. Algeria struggled to respond and failed to register a single shot on target, despite second-half substitutions that included Baghdad Bounedjah.
The Super Eagles later fell to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals but went on to defeat Egypt in the third-place play-off, claiming Nigeria’s ninth bronze medal finish at the continental tournament.
AFP
