A gutted Fiston Mayele said DR Congo put up a brave fight against Algeria in their Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 clash but conceded that desire proved decisive on the night.
Adil Boulbina's stunning late strike spared Algeria the agony of penalties and booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, as the Fennecs edged past DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in Rabat.
DR Congo made a winning start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Tuesday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benin in Rabat, a result that lifted them to the top of Group D.
Newcastle United have received an unexpected boost after Yoane Wissa was omitted from the DR Congo squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on 21 December.
Banyana Banyana assistant coach Thinasonke Mbuli has expressed relief, having managed to secure an away goal, in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the first leg of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kinshasa on Wednesday night.
Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire confirmed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup in CAF qualifying action on Tuesday night, while Nigeria, Gabon and DR Congo will battle it out in the playoffs for a spot at the global showpiece.