CAN 2025: Algeria ousts the DRC and advances to the quarterfinals

With a goal by Boulbina  in extra time, Algeria defeated the DRC (1-0) this Tuesday in the Round of 16 at CAN 2025. A precious victory for the Fennecs that advance to the quarterfinals.

Algeria clinched its quarterfinal berth after a breathless battle against the Democratic Republic of Congo. For a long time the match was undecided, and it finally unfolded in the very last moments of extra time, when Boulbina, who had just come on, tipped the Fennecs’ fate.

As the penalty shootout loomed, Vladimir Petkovic tried one last gambit by sending on his final substitute. A decision that paid off. In the 119th minute, the forward managed to take advantage of a moment of hesitation in the Congolese defense to score the lone goal of the match and liberate an entire people.

Thanks to this hard-fought victory, Algeria continues its run in CAN 2025 and will face Nigeria in the quarterfinals, on January 10 in Marrakech. For the DRC, the elimination is cruel, but the Leopards exit the tournament with honors, after a solid and selfless performance.