Algeria international Ismaël Bennacer has expressed his disappointment following an injury setback in their round of 16 clash against DR Congo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Bennacer was forced off with an injury after just four minutes into the second half, as his outfit triumphed over the Leopards to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
The North African football heavyweights narrowly defeated DR Congo to set up a tie against the Super Eagles, who made light work of Mozambique to reach the last 8 of the tournament.
The much-anticipated clash between Algeria and DR Congo travelled to extra-time after a pulsating goalless draw in regular time, with Adel Boulbina’s rocket shot strike in the 118th-minute securing victory for the North African country over the Leopards.
However, the experienced midfielder has taken to social media to express his disappointment after not playing full throttle of the match due to injury.
“Disappointed that I couldn’t help the team until the end… but proud to have qualified.” He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Algeria will lock horns with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Marrakech Stadium on January 10, 2026, with both teams seeking for a win to secure a place in the semifinals of the tournament.
The last encounter between Algeria and Nigeria dates back to the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, during which the Greens achieved victory by two goals to one. Algeria went ahead to secure the title for the second time in their history during the 2019 tournament.
