Algeria have set up a quarter-final clash with Nigeria’s Super Eagles after edging past the Democratic Republic of Congo in dramatic fashion at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
A late strike from substitute Adil Boulbina sealed a 1–0 victory for the Fennecs in their Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday night at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The decisive moment came just a minute before the end of extra time, sparing Algeria the tension of a penalty shootout.
With the match finely balanced and Congo holding firm, Boulbina cut in from the left and fired a dipping effort that clipped the underside of the crossbar before nestling in the net, sending the Algerian bench and supporters into celebration.
The win keeps Algeria’s title hopes alive as they chase a third AFCON crown, having previously lifted the trophy on home soil in 1990 and again in Egypt in 2019. It also ends DR Congo’s campaign and rules out a potential rematch between Nigeria and Congo following their recent meeting in the 2026 World Cup CAF playoffs.
Algeria will now face three-time champions Nigeria in a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown scheduled for Saturday in Marrakesh, with both sides eyeing a place in the last four of the continental showpiece.
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