Rayan Aït-Nouri: No weak links in AFCON’s last eight as Algeria push on

The Desert Warriors edged DR Congo 1-0 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium to book their quarter-final place and remain on course for a third continental title, having last lifted the trophy six years ago.

Aït-Nouri praised the quality of the Super Eagles while insisting Algeria are equally equipped to compete at the highest level of the tournament.

"As I said, it's going to be a really good match. We know that Nigeria is a strong team, anyway, only strong teams are left now. So, it's certain that it's gonna be a really good match. We're gonna try and prepare as best as we can for this match," Aït-Nouri said. 

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He gave DR Congo credit for putting up a fight – dragging the fixture to extra-time with Algeria finding the back of the net minutes before the referee blew the whistle for a penalty shoot-out.

"Honestly I'm satisfied, the most important thing was qualifying against a very good team from Congo. We know they have some really good players, it was a really great match. Everyone was there for it, we knew the match was gonna be highly anticipated, so in the end that's what matters most," he added.

When asked for his thoughts on facing Nigeria in the quarterfinals Algeria defender Aissa Mandi was reluctant to weigh in on the upcoming fixture.

"We're going to enjoy today, there will be other opportunities to talk about Nigeria. We are going to be happy, we'll celebrate amongst ourselves and there will be other opportunities to talk about Nigeria. It's still a long way up, so we are going to enjoy it,” Mandi said.