Algeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past DR Congo 1–0 in a tense extra-time battle in Rabat. The Round of 16 clash, played at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, lived up to expectations as a tight and cautious contest before exploding into life late on.
Algeria came into the tie full of confidence after finishing their group unbeaten, a run that included a convincing win over Equatorial Guinea, as reported by SoftFootball.
DR Congo, however, matched Algeria’s intensity from the first whistle and made it clear they would not be overawed. Early on, neither side registered a shot, as the stakes of knockout football shaped a careful approach.
Congo gradually grew into the game, forcing Luca Zidane into action through Cédric Bakambu and Axel Tuanzebe, while Algeria struggled to create clear openings despite seeing more of the ball. The fixture had been previewed as a finely balanced encounter, and it played out exactly that way, according to SoftFootball’s build-up coverage.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with DR Congo arguably the sharper side in key moments. Chancel Mbemba went close after a corner was not properly cleared, only for Hicham Boudaoui to produce a vital block.
Algeria then made a bold call by withdrawing captain Riyad Mahrez in the 70th minute, a decision that raised eyebrows but hinted at a push for fresh energy rather than reputation.
Extra time brought urgency and nerves in equal measure. Baghdad Bounedjah flashed a shot wide, while Farès Chaïbi was denied by an outstanding reflex save from Lionel Mpasi, a moment that seemed to push the game towards penalties. But football had one final twist.
In the 119th minute, substitute Adil Boulbina collected the ball on the left, cut inside with confidence, and unleashed a fierce right-footed strike into the far corner, assisted by Ramiz Zerrouki. It was his first goal for Algeria, and it sent the bench and fans into pure celebration.
The win, shared on their official X account, sends Algeria into the quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2019, while DR Congo exit with pride after a disciplined and brave performance.
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Next up for the Desert Foxes is a heavyweight clash with Nigeria, where fine margins may once again decide everything.
