- Safiu Kehinde
A late strike from substitute, Adil Boulbina, has sent Algeria through to the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals as they edged past DR Congo in a narrow 1–0 win.
Algeria and DR Congo were locked at 0–0 after regulation time in Rabat, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tense and physical contest.
Both teams again failed to break the deadlock in the first half of the 30 minutes extra time.
With penalties looming, Boulbina made the difference minutes after coming on as his superb right-footed effort in the 118th minute went beyond the reach of the Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
The goal finally separated two disciplined teams who showed organisation and resilience through 90 minutes and much of extra time.
Algeria enjoyed early possession but found clear chances hard to come by against a compact Congolese defence.
DR Congo threatened on the counter, with Cedric Bakambu forcing Luca Zidane into a fine save and later heading narrowly wide.
Algeria responded through Ibrahim Maza before halftime, but his low drive drifted just off target.
The second half followed a similar rhythm, with Mohamed Amoura missing a clear chance and Zineddine Belaid denying Fiston Mayele at close range.
In extra time, Mpasi-Nzau produced superb saves to frustrate Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah.
Boulbina’s late moment of brilliance eventually broke Congolese resistance and sparked wild celebrations among Algerian supporters.
Boulbina was ajudged the Man-of-the-Match as he made an instant impact off the bench, showing composure, confidence and quality when it mattered most to decide a finely balanced contest.
His late goal underlined Algeria’s depth and proved decisive in sending Les Fennecs into the last eight.
“First of all, thank God. Congratulations to Algeria and to the fans.
“I came on late and scored, but it was a collective effort. It is not about me.
“It is a great feeling for the team, and we will keep pushing in this tournament,” Boulbina said.
Algeria’s win will see them face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the quarterfinals in Marrakech on Saturday as their title push gathers momentum.
Boulbina made an instant impact off the bench, showing composure, confidence and quality when it mattered most to decide a finely balanced contest.
His late goal underlined Algeria’s depth and proved decisive in sending Les Fennecs into the last eight.