Algeria vs Nigeria: Super Eagles set for revenge clash after Foxes dispatch DR Congo

Algeria left it late to break DR Congo hearts, beating them 1–0 in extra-time to set a quarter-final date with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Both teams were deadlocked in regulation time and headed into extra time. Still, there was little between the two sides. However, when it seemed penalty shootouts would be needed to settle the tie, Adil Boulbina stepped up, scoring in the 119th minute to secure passage for the Foxes.

When the draws for the knockout games were made, Super Eagles fans knew victory against Mozambique would afford them the chance to get their pound of flesh from either Algeria or DR Congo.

The Foxes ended Nigeria's AFCON dreams in 2019 through a devastating Riyad Mahrez free kick late in the game. While time has passed and the Super Eagles have since gone further than the semi-final in another edition, the wound inflicted has not healed. The Leopards, on the other hand, are responsible for dashing Nigeria's World Cup hopes.

The three-time champions will have to wait for their rematch against Congo, as Boulbina's late strike has once again put Algeria in Nigeria's path to AFCON glory. Both sides will lock horns on Saturday, January 10th, at the Grande Stade de Marrakech. Kick-off is 5 p.m. WAT.

Both teams probed early, but chances were scarce in a cagey first half. DR Congo struck first in attack midway through the opening half; Cedric Bakambu forced a smart save from Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

Shortly after, Axel Tuanzebe headed narrowly wide from a corner, one of the Leopards’ best opportunities of an evenly matched opening stanza. 

Algeria, despite controlling possession, failed to carve out major openings before the break. The second half followed a similar pattern: DR Congo remained dangerous on the counter while Algeria struggled to find a telling final pass. 

Ibrahim Maza had an attempt miss not long after the restart, while Zineddine Belaid made a vital defensive intervention to stop a late DR Congo chance. Neither side could manage to break the deadlock through 90 minutes; cue extra time. 

As extra time progressed, both sides looked increasingly weary but still pushed for a winner. Algeria’s persistence nearly paid off when Fares Chaïbi and Baghdad Bounedjah were denied by DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau. 

With a penalty shootout looming, Algeria turned disaster into delight in the 118th minute: Adil Boulbina, on for just minutes, took a pass from Ramiz Zerrouki, cut inside and unleashed a sensational curling strike into the top corner to decide the tie.