Algeria beat DRC late to book Nigeria date in AFCON quarter-finals

Algeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past DR Congo 1-0 in extra time at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium on Tuesday night. 

A dramatic late strike from Adil Boulbina sealed the Round of 16 victory and kept the Desert Warriors’ title hopes alive.

The contest was tightly contested throughout regulation time, ending goalless after 90 minutes despite several chances at both ends. 

DR Congo looked dangerous early on, with Cedric Bakambu forcing a save from goalkeeper Luca Zidane in the 26th minute before Axel Tuanzebe narrowly missed the target with a header moments later.

Algeria gradually grew into the game and created their own openings before the break. Ibrahim Maza fired wide from distance in the 43rd minute, summing up a first half in which both sides showed intent but lacked the final touch to break the deadlock.

After the restart, DR Congo came close again when Chancel Mbemba was denied following a rebound, while Riyad Mahrez tested his luck with a free kick that drifted wide. 

Maza later spurned another promising chance in the 83rd minute as Algeria continued to press without reward.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the match moved into extra time, where chances remained scarce. 

The Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau produced a superb save in the 111th minute to deny Fares Chaibi, seemingly pushing the game toward penalties.

However, heartbreak struck for DR Congo in the 119th minute when Boulbina unleashed a stunning mid-range effort that crashed into the top of the net. 

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Algerians and sent the Leopards out of the tournament. Algeria will now face Nigeria in Saturday’s quarter-final, while DR Congo turn their attention to upcoming World Cup qualification duties.

Nigeria and Algeria last met at the 2019 AFCON, where the North Africans went on to win the tournament.