Algeria will face Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in their round-of-16 clash in Rabat on Tuesday.

Substitute Anis Boulbina scored the decisive goal in the 119th minute, firing a powerful shot into the top corner to seal victory for Algeria after a tense game that had ended goalless in regulation time.

The match produced few clear chances in the opening 90 minutes, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield.

Goalkeepers Luca Zidane of Algeria and Dimitry Mpasi of DR Congo also made key saves to keep the scoreline level.

Algeria dominated possession for long spells but were repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo’s defensive organisation.

The Leopards, for their part, came close to snatching a late winner in stoppage time when Fiston Mayele’s header was diverted just wide.

Extra time saw the North Africans creating clearer opportunities before finally breaking the deadlock at the death.

Boulbina combined neatly with Ismaël Bennacer before cutting inside and curling an unstoppable effort beyond Mpasi for his first senior international goal.

The win sets up a quarter-final showdown between Algeria and Nigeria, who had earlier booked their place in the last eight with a 4–0 victory over Mozambique on Monday.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to take on Algeria on Saturday, January 10 at 5 pm, as they continue their push for a fourth continental title.

(The PUNCH)

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