CAN 2025 - Algeria: Riyad Mahrez's analysis after qualification

Africa 07 January 2026 at 04:56

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Approached after Algeria's victory over DR Congo in the round of 16, Fennecs captain Riyad Mahrez breaks down the intense encounter.

Last night, Algeria clinched their spot in the quarter-finals of CAN 2025 with a dramatic extra-time win over DR Congo (1-0, 119th minute). The victory was snatched in the dying moments after a fierce battle between the two teams. According to Riyad Mahrez, Algeria fully deserved the win in this contest.

"We were determined to qualify today against a strong Congo side. It was a tightly contested match. The most important thing was to win once you get out of the group stage. We were solid. But over the course of the match, I think we deserved to win, and that's why it went our way. Yes, we know Nigeria well. They’re a top team and very different from Congo. We'll have more space to express ourselves, and it's up to us to be ready in four days." said the former Manchester City player.