AFCON 2025: Algeria Must Strategize To Defeat Nigeria - Petković

AFCON 2025: Algeria Must Strategize To Defeat Nigeria - Petković

Ibrahim Lateef

Vladimir Petković asserts that Algeria's critical focus now is to overcome Nigeria for a spot in the semifinals.

The two teams are set to clash in one of the marquee quarterfinal matchups of AFCON 2025, taking place in Marrakech on January 10, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Following Algeria's narrow escape against DR Congo in the Round of 16, Petković emphasized the need for a solid strategy.

The substitute, Adil Boulbina, made a pivotal impact, scoring deep into extra time to deliver a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Algeria in Rabat.

 Giving his thoughts after the gane, "I believe we deserved to win based on what our players delivered, and I thank them for that. We controlled two-thirds of the match and played good football, even though we faced some challenges during the game. We played well as a group, dominated the match, overcame difficulties, scored a goal and managed to win and qualify. I think we managed the match professionally. Qualifying was important, and now we will think about the next match against Nigeria.”

With penalties looming, Boulbina struck decisively in the 118th minute, just five minutes after coming off the bench. He cut inside from the right and unleashed a stunning shot that surpassed goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who had kept DR Congo in the game for much of the match.

This breakthrough finally distinguished two evenly matched teams that had neutralized each other's threats throughout regulation time and the early portions of extra time.