AFCON 2025: Decisive Extra Time Goal Sends Algeria Past Congo to Quarter-Finals
The Algerian national football team secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo on Tuesday evening.
The breakthrough came in extra time following a fiercely contested and long-deadlocked Round of 16 clash.
It took until the 118th minute for the “Desert Foxes” to break the deadlock, courtesy of a brilliant goal from Boulebina. Perfectly played through by Zerrouki, the Algerian winger beat his marker before firing a precise strike into the top corner, sending the stadium into raptures and sealing a well-deserved qualification.
Having remained unbeaten during the group stage with a perfect run of three victories over Sudan (3-0), Burkina Faso (1-0), and Equatorial Guinea (3-1), Algeria was forced to dig deep both mentally and physically this time. They faced a disciplined Congolese side that proved a constant challenge.
Lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Algerians repeatedly looked to exploit space in behind, particularly through Amoura, who was heavily involved on the right flank, and Mahrez, who moved intelligently between the lines.
In extra time, Algeria’s dominance continued despite mounting fatigue and cramps. Bounedjah tried his luck in the 99th minute without success, while Bensebaïni saw a powerful header saved by the Congolese goalkeeper in the 107th minute.
Chaïbi and Bounedjah again missed the target or were denied by the opposing keeper in the 110th minute, as the specter of a penalty shootout loomed.
The introduction of Boulebina and Zerrouki in the 112th minute proved to be a masterstroke. Six minutes later, the pair combined for the winner, with Boulebina’s stunning strike finally securing the victory after an intense battle.
With this triumph, Algeria advances to the quarter-finals, where they will face Nigeria on Saturday, January 10th, at 5:00 PM. The “Super Eagles,” who impressed in the Round of 16 with a 4-0 win over Mozambique, promise a high-quality showdown.
