Timing the Call: Luka Zidane Stirs AFCON with a Rare Moment Under a New Rule
28 December 2025
A Rare Moment in AFCON
In the Algeria vs Burkina Faso match, a rare moment unfolded late in the first half. Luka Zidane, Algeria’s goalkeeper, kept the ball for more than eight seconds, and the referee blew for a corner for Burkina Faso under the new rule.
Since last summer, a new rule aims to curb time-wasting by goalkeepers.
The rule allows keepers to hold the ball for a maximum of eight seconds; after that, possession reverts to the attacking side via a corner.
The 8-Second Rule Explained
The moment drew attention to AFCON's evolving rules and sparked jokes about timekeeping and football clocks.
Some fans joked that even a 90-minute match needs an extra eight seconds to warm up.
