AFCON 2025: Algeria lifts it late against DRC
Algeria had the last word in extra time in the big clash of the eighth finals against DR Congo. At the end of an unbreathable and worn encounter, the Fennecs win their qualification for the last 8 of this 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Intensity but few opportunities in the first period
Neither of the two teams is giving up a piece of land to the other. The bitterness of the duels did not affect the technical quality of the 22 actors as much. As anticipated, the DR Congo matches Algeria straight in the face. Technically, tactically and even more physically. The Fennecs impose a big pressing in this first quarter of an hour but cannot get into a scoring situation. Ibrahim Maza does not frame his shot from the left at the entrance of the Congolese danger zone .
The response from the Leopards was not long in coming with this solo rush by Cédric Bakambu in the 25th minute. Eccentric and at the end of the race, he sees his cross-strike diverted by this stop by Luca Zidane. On the corner, Axel Tuanzebe rises higher than everyone else but his header is off target. Algeria has possession but doesn't concretize nor create clear chances. The upbeat situations are in favor of the Congolese, much sharper. This intense first period ends with a parity score.
Invigorated by their strong first half performance, the Leopards come back from the locker room with better intentions. Sébastien Desabre’s team takes over the initiative of the game, proceeds by attacks from right side animated by Wan Bissaka and the restless Théo Bongonda. Algeria is only dangerous on a set piece with Mahrez whose free kick passes just above the crossbar (68th). The minutes tick away, fear settles in and a few attempts from afar are recorded on both sides with Edo Kayembe and Hadj Moussa.
Algeria is less enterprising, more cautious, but on the lookout for the slightest loss of bullets. On one of them, at the 78th, Mohamed Amoura runs to the goal after dropping Chancel Mbemba off at high speed, before failing in front of Lionel Mpasi. Sparingly editions of attempts were created in the last moments which could signal a draw at fulltime.
Adil Boulbina air-conditions the DRC
The two teams have an additional 30 minutes to decide between themselves. The 2019 African champions hit the first with Baghdad Bounedjah. Launched in depth, the Algerian striker unscrews his shot from the left (100th minute). The risk taking is now less. But the Fennecs find a way to be dangerous. We play in the 111st minute when Chaïbi, alone at the penalty point, has the match point. Lionel Mpasi makes another big save.
Everything looks set for shootouts but Algeria's Adil Boulbina who came in from the bench who delivers the final stroke. His shot was the final action, at a time when not even the gods of football could make a miracle for the Leopards. Algeria wins 1-0 in extra time and makes the last 8 of the competition.