Breaking: Algeria to face Nigeria in AFCON Quarter-Final after extra-time win over DR Congo

Algeria have booked a quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after narrowly defeating DR Congo 1–0 following extra time in their Round of 16 encounter in Rabat on Tuesday.

The tightly contested fixture appeared destined for a penalty shoot-out after both teams failed to score in regulation time and much of extra time.

However, substitute Adil Boulbina produced a moment of brilliance late on to decide the contest.

Boulbina, who replaced Fares Chaibi in the 113th minute, struck decisively in the 118th minute. The Al Duhail forward cut inside to evade his marker before curling a superb effort beyond DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who had been outstanding throughout the match.

The goal proved decisive, sending the North Africans through to the quarter-finals of the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025.

Algeria started the match brightly, pressing high and pinning DR Congo back in their half, but struggled to convert early dominance into clear chances.

DR Congo, however, looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Cedric Bakambu tested Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane in the 25th minute with a low drive that was well saved. Moments later, Axel Tuanzebe came close from a corner, heading just wide, while Bakambu narrowly missed the target again after connecting with a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Just before half-time, Algeria nearly took the lead when Ibrahim Maza led a swift counter-attack, but his low effort drifted agonisingly wide.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides creating half-chances without finding a breakthrough. Algeria came closest with 12 minutes remaining when Mohamed Amoura broke into the area, but his effort lacked the required bend to beat Mpasi-Nzau.

At the other end, Zineddine Belaid made a timely intervention to deny Fiston Mayele from close range as DR Congo threatened late on.

Extra time saw the tempo increase despite growing fatigue. Mpasi-Nzau was once again called into action, producing a pair of fine saves to keep out Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah.

The Congolese resistance was finally broken two minutes from time when Boulbina curled home the winning goal, sparking celebrations among Algerian supporters.

Algeria held on in the closing moments to secure progression, setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown with Nigeria.

The Super Eagles had earlier advanced to the last eight with a dominant 4–0 victory over Mozambique on Monday and will face Algeria on January 10 as they continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title.