Algeria will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after securing a late 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their round of 16 clash at Rabat on Tuesday, Bold Sports reports.
The Desert Warriors were taken into extra time by a disciplined Congo side, but eventually snatched a winner in the dying minutes of the game with Boulbina finding the back of the net, setting up an exciting clash with Eric Chelle’s side.
Algeria started the game on the front foot and came close to opening the scoring early on when a sublime pass sent Riyad Mahrez through on goal, only for the winger to miscontrol as the ball bounced off his foot. DR Congo responded with an opportunity of their own in the 26th minute, when Axel Tuanzebe met a corner with a firm header, but his attempt failed to hit the target.
Youngster Ibrahim Maza came close to scoring the opener in the 43rd minute but his effort went just wide. With neither side able to find the back of the net, the first 45 minutes ended goalless.
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The second half continued in the same fashion with Algeria dominating but failing to create big chances. Meanwhile, DR Congo threatened on the counter, but were also unable to take advantage of the few chances they had.
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic made a bold call in the 70th minute, withdrawing two of his stars in Riyad Mahrez and Rayan Ait Nouri for Anis Hadj Moussa and Zineddine Belaid. At the same time, DR Congo made two changes with Edo Kayembe and Gaël Kakuta coming on for Ngal Ayel Mukau and Noah Sadiki.
The fresh legs helped improve the intensity of the game with both teams going for the winning goal in the final minutes. DR Congo came closest to snatching victory at the death, with Mayele heading the ball goalward, only for Abdelli to head the ball away, taking the game to extra time.
Algeria controlled most of the possession in extra time and almost got a goal in the second period, but Mpasi denied Chaibi’s strike at the near post, before saving Bounedjah’s effort. With the game seemingly set for a penalty shootout, Algeria snatched victory in the dying minutes with Adil Boulbina hitting a powerful shot into the top corner, sending his side into the final eight.
The quarterfinal showdown between Nigeria and Algeria will take place on Saturday, January 10 at the Stade de Marrakech. The fixture will be a repeat of the 2019 AFCON semifinals, where the Desert Warriors edged the Super Eagles 2–1.
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