Adil Boulbina scored a dramatic 119th-minute winner as Algeria edged past DR Congo 1-0 after extra time to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The late goal secured Algeria’s progression to the last eight for the first time since they won the tournament in 2019 and set up a high-profile quarter-final showdown with Nigeria. The fixture will also be a repeat of the AFCON 2019 semi-final, which Algeria won on their way to lifting the trophy.
With the competition entering the knockout phase, both teams approached the round-of-16 tie cautiously. Despite their attacking threat during the group stage, neither Algeria nor DR Congo managed a shot on target in the opening 15 minutes of a tense contest.
DR Congo produced the first clear chances shortly before the half-hour mark. Cédric Bakambu forced goalkeeper Luca Zidane into a fine save, while Axel Tuanzebe headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner.
The first half remained largely subdued, with both sides prioritising defensive organisation. After the break, DR Congo increased the pressure, and Chancel Mbemba came close from a corner, only for Hicham Boudaoui to make a crucial block inside the area.
Algeria tried to change the flow of the game with substitutions, including the withdrawal of captain Riyad Mahrez, but DR Congo continued to look the more dangerous side. Edo Kayembe tested Zidane with a powerful long-range effort, while Algeria struggled to create clear openings.
Anis Hadj-Moussa briefly threatened for the Desert Foxes, but his attempt was comfortably saved by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi as the match moved into extra time.
Algeria showed greater urgency in the additional 30 minutes. Baghdad Bounedjah went close after bursting into the box but dragged his shot wide, while Mpasi produced an excellent reflex save to deny Farès Chaïbi.
Just as the match seemed headed for penalties, Boulbina delivered the decisive moment. Racing down the left flank, he fired a powerful shot into the far corner in the 119th minute to send Algeria through and end DR Congo’s hopes of reaching consecutive AFCON quarter-finals.
Algeria will now face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the quarter-finals in Marrakech on Saturday, 10 January, as both sides renew their rivalry on the continental stage.
