Algeria’s progress into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations was sealed by a dramatic 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo, and head coach Vladimir Petković was quick to credit the fans for playing a decisive role in the team’s success.
The Fennecs needed extra time to overcome stubborn resistance from the Leopards, with Adil Boulbina finally breaking the deadlock in the 119th minute to book their place in the last eight.
The tension inside the stadium was palpable for almost two hours, yet the Algerian players were roared on relentlessly from the stands, a backing Petković described as invaluable.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Swiss-Bosnian coach turned the spotlight away from tactics and onto the atmosphere generated by the travelling support.
“The fans have been fantastic and I want to thank them for their support since the start of the tournament because it really lifts the players’ morale. So I hope there will be many of them at the next match against Nigeria,” Petković said.
It was a clear acknowledgement of what Petković regards as the “12th man” effect that has accompanied Algeria throughout the competition.
From the opening group matches through to the exhausting round-of-16 tie, the green and white colours have been a constant presence in the terraces, creating a sense of home advantage even on neutral ground.
The coach’s comments came at the end of a demanding evening for his side.
The clash with DR Congo was finely balanced, with neither team able to find a breakthrough during the 90 minutes of normal time.
Algeria enjoyed long spells of possession but struggled to translate their dominance into clear chances, while the Congolese defence held firm and threatened on the counter-attack.
As fatigue set in during extra time, the noise from the Algerian supporters only grew louder, urging their players to find one final push.
That encouragement appeared to pay off when Boulbina finally found the net with barely a minute remaining on the clock, sparking wild celebrations both on the pitch and in the stands.
Petković has repeatedly highlighted the importance of unity since taking charge, and his post-match words reinforced that message.
Rather than dwelling on the anxiety of such a late winner, he chose to frame the result as a shared achievement between the squad and those who follow them across the continent.
For the players, that connection with the supporters has been a source of motivation at every stage of the tournament.
Several have spoken in recent days about how the noise and energy from the crowd helps them maintain focus in tight games, especially when legs are heavy and concentration is tested deep into matches.
The challenge now is to carry that momentum into the quarter-final showdown with Nigeria.
Petković made it clear he hopes to see the same level of backing at that fixture, believing the atmosphere could again tilt the balance in Algeria’s favour.
With qualification secured in dramatic fashion and belief growing within the camp, the coach’s tribute to the fans served as both a thank-you and a rallying call.
After an evening in which Algeria’s progress hinged on a single late moment, Petković’s message was simple: the journey so far has been a collective effort, and the next step will demand the same unity from team and supporters alike.
