From our special correspondents in Rabat, Morocco – Coming to conquer CAN 205, DR Congo finally exits the tournament in the round of 16, defeated after overtime by Algeria. Very disappointed, the Leopards are however trying to look ahead to the month of March and the qualifying play-off for the 2026 World Cup. France 24 collected their reactions after the match.

Published on: 06/01/2026 - 23:47

The Congolese dreamed of doing at least as well as in 2024, by inviting themselves to the last four of the African Cup. The adventure of the DR Congo finally ends in the round of 16 of CAN 2025, the fault of a table which placed it from the start against Algeria, too big a piece for the Leopards to digest.

“We are frustrated to go out so quickly because we went out in the round of 16,” admits goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to France 24.

Algeria snatched victory at the last minute, at the end of extra time, thanks to Boulbina's perfect shot into Mpasi's top corner. The outcome of an intense duel where the Fennecs of coach Vladimir Petrovic, like the Leopards of Frenchman Sébastien Desabre, did not give up for almost two hours. And where the goalkeepers, Luca Zidane and Lionel Mapsi shone.

Summary of the matchAlgeria dismisses DR Congo after a heated and indecisive duel

“It was really a knockout goal because we gave everything. We tried to find the chances but we didn't manage to put them in. They managed this perfect shot at the end of the match,” debriefs Fiston Mayele, who came on for extra time.

"We knew it would be complicated but we held on well. And, two minutes from the end, we conceded this goal, unfortunately. It's football", philosopher Lionel Mpasi. "We weren't in our best form tonight. We lacked the success that we had in other matches. We paid for it tonight."

Already focused on the 2026 World Cup play-offs

The great dynamic of the DR Congo, started with their 4th place at CAN 2024 and confirmed during the African play-off tournament for the 2026 World Cup, is therefore coming to a halt. But both players already want to move forward.

“We accept defeat and look to the future,” assures Fiston Mayele. “And now we have to be focused for the month of March because we have a match to go to the World Cup.”

Indeed, after the African play-off, the DR Congo has an appointment in the final of the intercontinental play-off to perhaps become the 10th African nation at the World Cup in North America.

“The path does not end there. We know that we are on a long adventure which takes time,” assures Lionel Mpasi. “[This defeat] will be a little reminder and we will continue to work to prepare for the month of March.”

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