Algeria Shift Focus to Nigeria After Dramatic Extra-Time Win Over DR Congo
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković says his team will now turn their attention to Nigeria after edging past DR Congo in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
‘I believe we deserved to win based on what our players delivered, and I thank them for that,’ Petković said after the match in Rabat.
‘We controlled two-thirds of the match and played good football, even though we faced some challenges during the game. We played well as a group, dominated the match, overcame difficulties, scored a goal and managed to win and qualify.
‘I think we managed the match professionally. Qualifying was important, and now we will think about the next match against Nigeria.’
Algeria’s progress was sealed by substitute Adil Boulbina, who struck in the 118th minute to secure a hard-fought 1–0 victory.
Just five minutes after coming off the bench, Boulbina cut inside from the right and curled a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, whose saves had kept DR Congo in contention throughout.
The breakthrough separated two evenly matched sides in a contest defined by discipline, physicality and missed chances.
Algeria began brightly, enjoying possession and territory, but struggled to break down a well-organised Congolese defence. Despite sustained pressure, Mpasi-Nzau was rarely tested until extra time.
The Desert Foxes will now face Nigeria in Saturday’s quarterfinal in Marrakech, renewing one of AFCON’s most storied rivalries.
Algeria, champions in 1990 and 2019, stand between Nigeria and a semi-final berth. The two nations have met eight times previously at AFCON, producing memorable encounters.
Nigeria claimed their first continental crown by defeating Algeria 3–0 in the 1980 final in Lagos, while Algeria secured their maiden title in 1990 after beating Nigeria twice in the same tournament, including a 1–0 win in the final.
