Algeria began on the front foot, enjoying early territory and possession, but struggled to create clear openings against a well-organised Congolese defence. Algeria responded before the interval when Ibrahim Maza surged forward on the break, but his low effort slipped inches wide of the target. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Algeria probing and DR Congo threatening sporadically. His moment of quality in the dying minutes finally broke Congolese resistance and sparked celebrations among the Algerian players and supporters. Algeria now advance to a quarter-final showdown against Nigeria in Marrakesh, as their bid for a second AFCON title in six years gathers momentum.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 07, 2026 08:25 UTC