Algeria have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday, setting up a tantalising showdown with Nigeria in the last eight of the continental showpiece.
Substitute Anis Boulbina emerged as the unlikely hero, striking a powerful shot into the top corner in the 119th minute to break Congolese hearts and send the Desert Foxes through after a tense encounter that had remained deadlocked through 90 minutes of regulation time.
The round-of-16 clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium produced few clear-cut chances in the opening period, with both sides locked in a tactical stalemate that saw midfield battles dominate proceedings. Algeria’s technical superiority in possession was repeatedly neutralised by DR Congo’s disciplined defensive structure, which frustrated the North Africans for much of the contest.
Goalkeepers Luca Zidane of Algeria and DR Congo’s Dimitry Mpasi proved pivotal in keeping the match goalless through regulation time, with both shot-stoppers producing crucial interventions to deny their opponents. Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, showcased composure and agility between the posts, while Mpasi demonstrated why he remains one of the most reliable custodians in African football.
Despite controlling possession for extended periods, Algeria struggled to convert territorial dominance into meaningful scoring opportunities against a Leopards side that remained compact and dangerous on the counter-attack. DR Congo nearly snatched a dramatic late winner in stoppage time of the second half when striker Fiston Mayele rose to meet a cross, only to see his header diverted agonisingly wide of the target.
Extra time brought renewed urgency from Algeria, who began to create clearer openings as DR Congo’s defensive resolve showed signs of weariness. The breakthrough finally arrived in the dying moments of the additional period when Boulbina, who had been introduced from the bench, combined cleverly with midfielder Ismaël Bennacer on the edge of the area.
The 25-year-old forward cut inside his marker before unleashing an unstoppable curling effort that flew beyond the reach of Mpasi and nestled into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Algerian players and technical staff. The goal marked Boulbina’s first senior international strike and proved to be one of the most crucial in Algeria’s AFCON campaign.
The victory propels Algeria into a quarter-final meeting with Nigeria, who had earlier cruised into the last eight with a commanding 4-0 demolition of Mozambique on Monday evening. The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the round-of-16 stage, underlining their credentials as genuine contenders for continental glory.
The Algeria-Nigeria encounter is scheduled for Saturday, January 10 at 5pm, in what promises to be one of the marquee fixtures of the quarter-final round. The clash will renew a historic rivalry between two of African football’s powerhouses, nations with rich footballing traditions and passionate supporters.
Nigeria’s path to a record-extending fourth AFCON title will test their mettle against an Algerian side that has demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament. The Desert Foxes, who lifted the trophy in 2019 when they defeated Senegal 1-0 in the final in Cairo, remain one of the continent’s most technically accomplished teams.
For Algeria, the narrow victory over DR Congo will provide a confidence boost ahead of their meeting with the Super Eagles, though coach Vladimir Petkovic will be aware that his side must improve their attacking output if they are to trouble a Nigerian defence that has looked increasingly solid as the tournament has progressed.
The Leopards’ elimination marks the end of a promising campaign for DR Congo, who had impressed in the group stages but ultimately fell short when it mattered most. Sébastien Desabre’s side can take pride in their defensive organisation and competitive spirit, though they will rue missed opportunities to have secured victory in regulation or extra time.
Algeria’s progression continues their quest to add to their two AFCON titles, having previously triumphed in 1990 and 2019. The North Africans have built a reputation for tournament football excellence, with their ability to grind out results in tight matches a hallmark of their recent success at continental level.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will enter Saturday’s quarter-final as favourites, buoyed by their clinical display against Mozambique and the form of key players who have hit their stride at the perfect moment. The Super Eagles last won the AFCON in 2013, when they defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final in Johannesburg, and have since endured frustrating near-misses in their pursuit of a fourth continental crown.
The quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria represents one of the standout fixtures of the knockout rounds, pitting two nations with contrasting styles and footballing philosophies against each other. Algeria’s possession-based approach and technical proficiency will be tested by Nigeria’s physicality, pace, and directness.
As the tournament enters its decisive phase, both nations will recognise the magnitude of the occasion. For Algeria, victory would represent another step towards defending the continental supremacy they established six years ago. For Nigeria, it offers an opportunity to reassert their status as African football royalty and edge closer to ending a 12-year wait for AFCON glory.
The winner of Saturday’s encounter will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either the victor of another quarter-final tie as the race to lift the trophy in Morocco intensifies. With the stakes rising and the margin for error narrowing, the Algeria-Nigeria showdown promises to be a defining moment in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
