Adil Boulbina struck deep into extra time as Algeria edged past DR Congo 1-0 in a tense last-16 clash to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Introduced from the bench, Boulbina made the decisive impact after being released down the left by fellow substitute Ramiz Zerrouki.
The winger showed pace and composure to beat a weary Aaron Wan-Bissaka, cut inside and fire a stunning right-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, with the ball crashing in off the underside of the crossbar.
It was a cruel ending for the Congolese, who had matched Algeria stride for stride in an evenly balanced contest in Rabat and looked set to take the game to penalties before Boulbina’s moment of brilliance.
Clear-cut chances were scarce throughout a tight, defence-dominated encounter, watched once again by France legend Zinedine Zidane, as his son Luca kept a fourth clean sheet of the tournament for Les Fennecs. Algeria’s defensive solidity, combined with their late attacking punch, ultimately proved decisive.
With that resilient back line, the 2019 champions will head into Saturday’s quarter-final showdown against Nigeria in Marrakesh full of belief, despite facing one of the tournament’s most prolific attacks. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT.
For DR Congo and their French coach Sébastien Desabre, hopes of building on their impressive recent run were dashed.
The Leopards had arrived with confidence after winning November’s African World Cup play-offs, defeating Cameroon and Nigeria, and remain just one win away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup via March’s intercontinental play-off.
The opening exchanges were fragmented, with referee Mohamed Eid Mansour frequently halting play as both teams contested every ball.
Algeria threatened first when Chancel Mbemba almost turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Rafik Belghali, while Cedric Bakambu later wasted a promising chance after breaking clear.
DR Congo came close again from a corner, but Axel Tuanzebe’s header drifted narrowly wide.
Algeria suffered a setback early in the second half when Ismael Bennacer was forced off injured, prompting a flurry of substitutions from both benches.
Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s record Afcon scorer, was withdrawn as Petkovic searched for a breakthrough, but replacements including Anis Hadj Moussa and Mohamed Amoura were denied by the alert Mpasi.
At the other end, only a superb last-ditch header from Zineddine Belaid prevented Fiston Mayele from scoring in stoppage time.
Extra time appeared destined to end in a shootout despite Mpasi’s fine saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah. However, Boulbina had other ideas, producing a goal worthy of deciding any knockout tie.
After disappointing group-stage exits in the last two Afcon tournaments, coach Vladimir Petkovic seems to have restored balance and belief to the Algerian side.
Roared on by their passionate supporters in Morocco, Les Fennecs now prepare for a mouth-watering clash with Nigeria, knowing their defensive resolve will be tested to the limit.
