Algeria Edge Past DR Congo in a 119th-Minute Thriller to Set Up Nigeria Clash
So, this was one of those Africa Cup of Nations nights where patience, nerves, and belief were tested right to the very end. Algeria have booked their place in the quarter-finals of CAN 2025 after eliminating DR Congo 1-0, but it took almost two full hours of football and a dramatic goal in the 119th minute to separate the two sides.
The match had been billed as one of the toughest ties of the round of 16, and it absolutely lived up to that on the pitch. Algeria were seen enjoying most of the possession, calmly moving the ball and trying to control the rhythm, while DR Congo chose a compact, disciplined approach. A low block was maintained, pressure was applied at the right moments, and quick counter-attacks were constantly threatened. It was clear both teams respected each other, and that caution shaped the early stages.
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Chances were rare in the first half. In fact, Algeria had to wait until the 42nd minute for their first real attempt, when young talent Ibrahim Maza tried his luck without troubling the goalkeeper. The second half, though, was played at a higher tempo. DR Congo pushed forward more bravely, with efforts from Chancel Mbemba, Joris Kayembe, and Ibrahim Mayele, while Algeria responded through Mohamed Amoura and Anis Hadj Moussa. Still, both goalkeepers, Luca Zidane for Algeria and Lionel Mpasi-Nzau for Congo, were outstanding and kept the score locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Extra time followed, and unlike many tense knockout games, neither team completely shut down. Algeria began to look more dangerous, and a big chance arrived in the 110th minute when Fares Chaibi forced a reflex save right on the line from Mpasi-Nzau. It felt like the moment was coming, and nine minutes later, it finally did.
Adil Boulbina delivered the decisive moment. Breaking down the left on a counter, he cut inside, slipped past Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and from the edge of the box curled a perfect right-footed shot into the far top corner. At 119 minutes, it was a goal that sent Algerian fans into celebration and heartbreakingly ended DR Congo’s run.
There was concern for Algeria, though, as midfield leader Ismael Bennacer had earlier been forced off injured, apparently with a hamstring issue. Even so, the dream stays alive for the Fennecs. They have now won all three group matches and survived this brutal test, a statistic that brings back memories of 1990 and 2019, the two years they went on to lift the trophy.
Next up is a mouth-watering quarter-final against Nigeria, who cruised past Mozambique 4-0. After this dramatic escape, Algeria know tougher challenges still lie ahead, but for now, their CAN 2025 journey continues.
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