Algeria booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over a resilient DR Congo side on Tuesday evening.
Substitute Adil Boulbina emerged as the hero, striking in the 119th minute to break the deadlock and set up a tantalising clash with Nigeria.
The round of 16 encounter was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough during a cagey 90 minutes. Chances were at a premium, with goalkeepers Luca Zidane for Algeria and Lionel Mpasi for DR Congo making crucial saves to keep their sides level.
As the match entered extra time, fatigue began to set in, and the intensity remained high. Just as a penalty shootout seemed inevitable, Algeria found their decisive moment. A well-worked move saw Ramiz Zerrouki assist Boulbina, who unleashed a right-footed shot from the left side of the box, finding the top right corner of the net.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations from the Algerian bench and fans, while DR Congo were left with little time to respond. Despite a late yellow card for Baghdad Bounedjah, Algeria held firm through the remaining moments to secure their passage.
The Desert Foxes will now face a formidable Nigerian side in what promises to be a thrilling quarter-final showdown.
